Clinton to Jonathan: How you can fight terrorism

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61685

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

N150

How you can fight terrorism

CLINTON TO JONATHAN:

•See story on Page 5

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

Clinton to Jonathan: How you can fight terrorism

BY BEN AGANDE & UDUMA KALU, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

BUJA—THE United States, yesterday, offered to assist Nigeria fight Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which it sees as a growing regional menace, saying Nigeria cannot rely on military might alone. An official, travelling with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton disclosed this after holding a closed-door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential villa.

Clinton, who arrived the Villa at 3.57 P.M., was accompanied by officials of the U. S. Embassy in Nigeria and some diplomats and were received by the Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru.

Clinton also had another meeting with Security Chiefs including all the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar.

According to the senior US official, the US is offering to help President Goodluck Jonathan fight Boko Haram, a militant sect that wants to establish a strict Islamic state in the northern part of the country.

Boko Haram has launched bomb and gun attacks on churches this year that provoked Christians, leading to deadly reprisals against

Muslims. Hundreds of people have died and Washington is concerned about insecurity spreading.

“Northern Nigeria also borders Chad, Cameroon, Niger and we are concerned this radicalism could undermine the security of neighbouring states. A security strategy is not enough. We know all too well from our own experiences in both Iraq and Afghanistan what can happen if soldiers and police are not operating under appropriate authorities”, the senior U.S. official said.

“We will encourage them not to use excessive force and to look at this as a law enforcement operation designed to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.

Clinton who was in Nigeria as part of an 11day, nine-nation African tour also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to boost the country’s intelligence capabilities to better combat growing extremist violence.

She proposed that Nigeria should create an “intelligence fusion cell” that would combine information from the military, spy services, police and other federal, state and local agencies. The cell would also coordinate counter-terrorism activities and serve as a contact for foreign intelligence services, said State Department officials.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Before you can successfully make friends with others, first you have to become your own friend — Steven Richards

P

ERSONS of high self-esteem are not driven to make themselves feel superior to others; they do not seek to prove their value by measuring themselves against a comparative standard. Their joy is being who they are, not in being better than someone else.

When people are open to the presence of love, they are elevated to higher state of consciousness which allows the mind to let go of the ego which breeds conflicts.

Love is the counterforce to undue passions of the mind, for where it truly exists there is no need for fear.

Ron Paul makes a powerful speech about how distorted our views can sometimes become. A lot of people don’t realize that conflicts never solve anything, but only perpetuate the things that we say we don’t want in our lives. Let’s think about the logic again, what have we to lose if our thoughts and actions are positively driven? We have everything to gain if we embrace a beautiful life of kindness, generosity, forgiveness and a loving heart towards ourselves and others too.

The officials said US was ready to assist the cell with organizational expertise, training and equipment, including computers, and would offer the aid to President Jonathan and his new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, on whom the U.S. has high hopes for, expanded intelligence cooperation.

The US has become increasingly concerned about the threat posed by militant groups in West Africa such as the Islamist Boko Haram in Nigeria and cells of alQaeda-linked fighters in northern Mali.

The security situation in Nigeria has affected the movement of U.S. embassy workers.

American officials also expressed worry that Boko Haram’s rise might destabilize the broader region, particularly in Mali, where Islamist militants are taking advantage of a postcoup power vacuum to sow unrest in the north.

Other areas of assistantce In addition to security matters, it was learnt that Clinton discussed good governance, rule of law and corruption with Nigerian officials.

The US offer of assistance is to include helping to develop Nigeria’s forensics and investigative procedures, according to the US official.

“We can help them develop mechanisms for tracking and determining individuals who are likely to be engaged in supporting Boko Haram actively,” the official said.

Some US lawmakers have been pushing President Barack Obama’s administration to label Boko Haram a terrorist group, but diplomats have resisted the designation, stressing it remains domestically focused.

In June, the United States labelled suspected Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and two other Nigerian militants “global terrorists,” allowing any US assets they may have to be blocked.

Shekau appeared in a video posted to YouTube last weekend dismissing the designation and criticising Jonathan.

A senior US official said, yesterday, that

Washington wants to encourage Nigeria to set up a “comprehensive programme in the north” that combined a security strategy with a socio-economic plan.

After meeting members of the National Security Council, the US Secretary of State was also expected to meet with leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Inde-

CLINTON MEETS JONATHAN—United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, yesterday, visited President Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja.

From left: Mrs Hillary Clinton, Minister of State For Defence, Erelu Olushola Obada; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru and President Jonathan during the visit. State House photo. pendent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) before departing for Ghana later.

According to her: “We were also very supportive of anti corruption reform efforts, more transparency in the work that you and your team are also championing because we really believe that the future for Nigeria is limitless but the most important task that you face, as you have said, is making sure that there are better opportunities for all Nigerians, South, East, West, every young boy and girl to have chance to fulfil his God given potential. We want to work with you and we will be by your side as you make the reforms and take the tough decisions that are necessary.”

Mrs Clinton said the Obama administration was committed to its partnership with Nigeria especially the BiNational Commission “which has helped us to expand and deepen our cooperation on full range of issues.

“We are working on economic matters, the

improvement of productivity in agriculture, education and health, security, diversification of your economy and so much more.

“We intend to remain very supportive on your reform efforts.”

Earlier, President Jonathan had praised the existing relationship between Nigeria and the US especially the support his government has enjoyed from Mrs. Clinton and the Obama administration.

He observed that the US Secretary of State has raised the relationship between Nigeria and America to a very high level “that we have never reached for quite some time by personally chairing the Bi-National.”

President Jonathan observed that President Obama administration has been passionate about Africa and Nigeria and has been supportive of Nigeria for the last five years.

According to him, “from the days I came in as Vice President especially that period as a nation we faced a lot of challenges when the late

President was very ill and we passed through turbulence period.

“And they gave us the support that stabilised this country. And when we insisted we must conduct an election that is free and fair and that is the only thing that can stabilise democracy, they were very supportive.

“They gave us moral support, technical support to INEC and assisted us to make sure that we conducted elections that national and international observers declared as quite free and fair,” he said.

Mr & Mrs

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

2015: Mixed reactions greet Joda's statements on Jonathan

BY DAPO AKINREFON

M

IXED reactions, yesterday, trailed elder statesman, Alhaji Ahmed Joda’s advice to President Goodluck Jonathan to defuse political tension in the country by renouncing any intention he might have to stand for re-election in 2015.

In a media report yesterday, Joda, who served as permanent secretary in the 1970s and was chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, during the tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, advised the President to publicly announce that he won’t seek a re-election so as to dampen political tension created by the suspense over his candidacy. “(The) President should defuse the present political tension that now pervades the country. This should begin with his renouncing any intention he may have of contesting the 2015 elections and devoting his entire time, energy and the resources of the country in order to give Nigeria a credible and acceptable Constitution; a free, transparent and fair election,” he said in a statement in Abuja.

Joda is pursuing Northern agenda — Sagay Responding to Joda’s advice yesterday, Constitutional lawyer, Prof Itse Sagay, SAN, said, he was disappointed in Joda.

His words: “I am extremely disappointed in Joda, not because I want Jonathan to contest but because I suspect he is muting the socalled Northern agenda that the next president must come from the North. That is where I am disappointed.

We have seen in this country that it is irrelevant where a person comes from. We should not be looking at the geopolitical zone or ethnic nationality of a president. We should be looking at the capacity of that person, his dedication to public life.

“So, when I see statement from people like Achuzia who says Igbo presidency is non-negotiable in 2015, who told him that a president will come from even the Igbos? So, for me, what Ahmed Joda is expressing is an indication

of political immaturity despite the fact that he was a super permanent secretary in the 1960s".

If I were Jonathan I won't contest — David-West One-time Petroleum Minster, Prof Tam DavidWest said Jonathan was free to run but he should lay emphasis on good governance. “If Jonathan wants to contest, he is free to contest. Let Jonathan concentrate on doing a

good job because he is not doing a good job yet. In 2011, I did not like the way he (Jonathan) became president. His contesting the 2015 elections is not good for him and for the country. If he is doing a good job, let him contest, but I don’t think he is doing a good job. If I were him I will not contest,” he said.

Jonathan should discard the idea — SNG However, spokesman for

the Save Nigeria Group, Mr Yinka Odumakin, shared Joda’s views. He said, “if he (Jonathan) is still thinking of running for office in 2015, then we are in a deeper trouble than we think given what is on ground today. It will be better for him to forget the idea. He clearly has no idea of what to do, he is just there. He does not understand that the office of the president is beyond the perks, privileges and opportunities the office provides".

REPOSITIONING OF THE NOA— From right: Vice President, Namadi Sambo; Culture Minister, Chief Edem Duke and Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeiri during a meeting on the repositioning of the NOA held at the Vice President's Office, State House, Abuja, yesterday.

FG approves N34bn for pensioners' benefits

BY OMOH GABRIEL, BUSINESS EDITOR

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed the National Pension Commission to pay N34 billion to qualified Federal Government retirees (pensioners) whose pension has been outstanding. The approval for payment of pensioners followed the recommendation of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, on the submission made by the commission to the government on the status of the account and the huge deficit therein.

A statement by Emeka Onuora, Head, Communication Unit Pencom said the Federal Government has consistently and religiously, been setting aside five per cent of its total monthly wage bill into the Retirement Bond Redemption Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria for the settlement of the accrued pension rights of its employees since the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme as required by the Pension Reform Act, 2004.

Pencom in the statement said “the National Pension Commission would like to inform retired employees enrolled with the

Commission, including the Next of Kin, NOKs, of deceased employees that have documented with the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, and documents submitted to the commission but have not been paid their entitlements that the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the release of N34 billion to off-set the outstanding accrued rights of retirees and death benefits of deceased employees of Federal Government under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. Pencon said though “the government pension account has been overstretched in recent years with the upsurge of retirements from the Federal Civil Service occasioned by the tenure policy, voluntary retirements and thousands of unredeemed death benefit claims resulting into heavy back log of arrears that cannot be accommodated due to paucity of funds in the account, giving rise to untold hardship to these people, this intervention by Mr. President would go a long way in settling those outstanding payments to those categories of beneficiaries and alleviating their sufferings”.

Newswatch faces uncertain future in Jimoh Ibrahim's hands — Ekpu, others zUrge him to rescind decision, pay staff salaries, inject promised funds

BY LAJA THOMAS

I

KEJA—FOUNDING members of Newswatch Communications Ltd, publisher of Newswatch weekly news magazine, Messrs Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade, have expressed fears that the magazine now faces uncertain future in the hands of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, who controls 51 per cent shares in the outfit.

They expressed their concerns at a briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos council secretariat to intimate newsmen over recent developments concerning the magazine.

Speaking on behalf of

other 49 per cent shareholders of Newswatch, Mr. Ray Ekpu said, “ we fear that the magazine now faces uncertain future in the hands of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim. We, and the other eight investors in the company who together hold 49 per cent equity were greatly shocked to learn of the major decision affecting the future of the company and its loyal staff who have remained committed to the company through the most trying times, in the press. You are, no doubt, aware that on August 6, 2012, the chairman of the board of directors of the company, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim announced an indefinite suspension of publication of the magazine.

"He (Jimoh Ibrahim) said

that the decision is taken to reposition the magazine and make it relevant to modern development, and as such, the magazine is due for corporate surgery.”

According to Ekpu, “the decision came to us, as indeed to millions of Nigeria, as a big shock.

Newswatch has faithfully kept faith with its readers and the Nigerian public since its debut as the pioneer weekly newsmagazines in the country on February 28, 1985. In all of that time, through good and bad times, except for its proscription for six months by the Babangida administration, the magazine has hit the newsstand every Monday.”

Continuing, Ekpu said, “Decisions as weighty as

these are matters for the board of directors of the company. Mr. Ibrahim has, ironically, told the world that the 51 shareholders approved these decisions.

We are more than baffled by this, and our worries are that since he took over, the company has not moved from where we left it.”

He added, “ we are astonished that after nearly 15 months, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim is now talking about “corporate surgery”.

What happened to the turn around, which was to have been completed within one year by the new management? What has, therefore, led to the deterioration of the company since May 5, 2011 that the NUJ Newswatch chapel now says no value has been added to the company and

that the staff are owed four months salary?”

“These decisions break the spirit and letter of the understanding and agreement we had with Mr. Ibrahim concerning the future of our beloved Newswatch. We believe the decisions to be illegal and clearly counter-productive.

We ask Mr Ibrahim to rescind them in the interest of the company, its staff, the advertising community and the reading public. We urge him to pay the outstanding salaries and allowances of the staff and inject the funds promised into the company.

We are now consulting the other stakeholders on the next steps to take to ensure Newswatch is not destroyed and that it continues to be a strong and viable news magazine.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 7

Boko Haram: CAN President writes Clinton

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

K

RECEPTION: Financial Secretary, South East South South Professionals, SESSP, Mr. Andy Wabali, Mr Denzil Ketebe, Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, Ms. Ify Ananzon-Akerele, President, SESSP, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr. Nebo Emodi and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Abeeb Abdulahi, at a reception in honour of Emodi

by SESSP in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Police arrest pastor for killing father, uncle in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI— EBONYI State Police Command, yesterday, said, it arrested one Mr. Udoka Onwe, 22, for allegedly killing his father, Mr. Peter Onwe Elum, 60 and uncle, Mr. James Elum, 52, from Umuogodo Akpu Ngbo of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Vanguard learnt that on interrogation by the police, the suspect confessed that he decided to kill his father and uncle because they were wizards and wanted to use witchcraft to kill him, saying he killed them before they could kill him.

At a briefing, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Sylvester Igbo, who confirmed the murder incident, said that it occurred about 5:am of the penultimate day.

He said the matter was reported to Ohaukwu police station Mrs. Onyemaechi Onwe from Umuogodo Akpu Ngbo village of the local govern-

ment area, noting that the suspect would soon be charged to court as investigations were still on to ascertain motive behind the dastardly act.

He said: “5 am this morning, a case of murder was reported at Ohaukwu police station by a woman, Mrs. Onyemaechi Onwe

from Umuogodo Akpu Ngbo village in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.

“She reported that one Udoka Onwe, m, 22 years murdered his father and Uncle. The suspect has a church called Christ Rimites Church, CRC, and when he was asked the reason he murdered

his father and uncle, he said that they were wizards and that they want to use occultic means to kill him. He has been arrested and he is still with the police. The corpses of the deceased have been taken to Ngbo General Hospital where an autopsy is expectedtobecarriedonthebodies.”

....Nab 13 kidnap, robbery suspects in Anambra

BY VINCENT UJU-

MADU

A

WKA—THIRTEEN suspected kidnappers and armed robbers alleged to have been terrorising parts of Anambra and Imo states were, yesterday, apprehended by the Anambra State Police command in what was seen as the greatest haul of suspected criminals in the state in recent time.

At the headquarters of the state Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, at Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area where they are being

detained, three of the kidnap suspects, namely Chinedu Eze from Ideato in Imo State, Omaliko Ugochukwu from Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State and Okwuchukwu Odo from Alor also in Idemili South Local Government Area claimed they were new in the business of kidnapping.

Other suspects arrested, include Ifeanyi Okoye, Uchechukwu Akujinwa and Ikechukwu Chiajunwa, all from Obosi in Idemili North, as well as Chijioke Udoh from Oraukwu,

Idemili South and Onyeka Ajato from Awka.

The rest of the suspects were Ikechukwu Nwali from Ezza in Ebonyi State, Ikenna Ezike from Otolo Nnewi, Uchenna Chukwuemeka from Umueze Anam and Obed Ikenna from Ebonyi State Also arrested was the person allegedly supplying guns to the suspects,Mr.OnyemaOdoh,37, who claimed that he was living in Benin Republic, but relocated to Anambra State to join what hedescribedasthelucrativebusiness of supplying guns to robbers and kidnappers.

Ghana cancels policy on $300,000 base for Nigerian traders

T

HE GHANAIAN Government has rescinded its policy compelling Nigerian businessmen and traders to pay a minimum capital of 300,000 dollars or have their businesses closed.

The policy also mandated the Nigerian businessmen and traders to employ at least five Ghanaian as condition to operate their offices and shops. Nigeria’s High

Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Ademola Onafowokan, made this known to State House correspondents in the advanced team of President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Accra.

The President will participate in the funeral rites of Mills scheduled for today and meet with Ghana’s new leader, President John Dramani Mahama during his visit

to Accra. Jonathan is expected in as the head of the Nigerian official delegation to the funeral of late President of Ghana, John Atta-Mills.

Onafowokan, said that the controversial capital base and employment requirements had caused a lot of furore for Nigerian businessmen in Ghana before the commission intervened in the matter. He said that

the Federal Government with the Foreign Affairs Ministry had explored possible diplomatic means to stop the discriminatory and unfair trade laws. The envoy said that it was practically impossible for the Ghanaian authority to drive Nigerian businessmen away because of the pivotal role they played in the economy of that country.

ADUNA—THE President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oristejiafor, has written a letter to the visiting American Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, expressing CAN’s reservation on the manner the issues of Boko Haram and related violence by Islamist groups against Nigerian Christians are being treated by the United States The Letter dated July 7, 2012 which was signed on behalf of Oristejiafor by Secretary General of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake also described as inaccurate the 2011 International Religious Freedom report which catalogued the attacks on Christians and their places of worship by the Islamic sect.

According to CAN president, “Much to our dismay, the information contained in our memorandum to the presidential panel on PostElection Violence was not included in the 2011 State Department International Religious Freedom Report.

Our memo presented widespread incidents of violence targeting Christians in 12 northern states in April last year during the reporting

period of the 2011 report.

Unfortunately the destruction of over 700 churches and the systematic massacres of hundreds of Christians in 48 hours – the largest single attack on Christendom in contemporary world history anywhere on the planet-were not included in your report.

“Even more surprising, the report failed to accurately describe the horrific Christmas Day multi-city church attacks. These coordinated attacks on three states, comprising Niger, Plateau and Yobe, claimed over 60 lives and, for a second consecutive year, stunned the world. The report merely mentions the Christmas Day church bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic church in Madalla, then fails to communicate the scope and significance of the Christmas Day attacks.

The pernicious persecution, denigration and dehumanisation of Christians in northern Nigeria especially has been a fact of life for over a quarter century. It is therefore disconcerting that the US report addresses it in a speculative tone that undermines the harsh reality of the masses of orphans and widows left behind.

Lagos govt, firm partner in fight against malaria

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO

L

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has reiterated its determination to make the state a malaria-free area.

Deputy Director, Health Education, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Omowunmi George, disclosed this during the training of Lagos State Roll-BackMalaria officers and Health Educators, organised by Mortein Insecticide, a brand of Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited in Lagos.

She stated that the gov-

ernment was taking the fight against malaria very seriously, stressing that the state would continue to partner with credible organisations to reduce the incidence of malaria to its barest minimum.

Also speaking, the Brand Manager, Mortein, Ms Oluwatoyin Yusuf said the company was partnering with the Lagos government to reduce the maternal death caused by malaria by providing training, education, and materials such as insecticides and treated nets to pregnant and nursing women.

‘Umeh remains APGA chairman’

A

WKA—THE Chair man of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra, Chief Mike Kwentoh, has said that the Chief Victor Umeh-led faction of APGA party remains the authentic national executive council of the party.

Kwentoh made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of

Nigeria, NAN, in Awka, yesterday.

He described the Abuja High Court order, restraining Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla and Ifenna Okwenna from parading themselves as acting national chairman and secretary, respectively as a welcome development.

He said the tenure of the Umeh-led exco would expire in 2015.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Nigeria remains attractive for SERVICE OF SONGS FOR GOV investors but,...says W-Bank chief UDUAGHAN'S MOTHER-IN-LAW

BY OMOH GABRIEL, BUSINESS EDITOR

T

HE Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria, Ms. Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, said yesterday in Abuja that despite the current infrastructure challenges facing Nigeria, the country remains the most attractive place for both local and foreign investors.

Marie-Nelly stated this during the launch of the World Bank’s Investment Climate Assessment, ICA, Report in Abuja.

She said there was need for the country to improve its business environment in order to maximise the hugely untapped investment opportunities that exist across the country.

According to her: “Nigeria has the most attractive environment for investment because it is a large market in the continent; the second largest economy in the continent. Nigeria, she said, is a market that any investor cannot ignore with over 160 million people and a gateway to ECOWAS. For me, while we say the

country ’s current investment climate could be better in terms of providing electricity, access to finance and other things, you should also look at the huge opportunities for investment in Nigeria.

“The basic lesson from the World Bank Assessment Report titled “Nigeria, An Assessment of the Investment Climate in 26 states” is that there are critical constraints in Nigeria that impede the development of the non-oil sector. Some of the critical issues include electricity, which affects the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. However, the labour cost in Nigeria is actually lower than most of Nigeria’s competitors such as Brazil and South Africa.

So, there is need for Nigeria to address some of the constraints in order to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities that exist in the country.”

In his Keynote address titled “Reforming Nigeria’s Investment Climate”, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said his ministry

had already embarked on far-reaching investment climate reforms to improve the county ’s competitiveness ranking and attract more Foreign Direct Investment into the country.

Aganga stated that his ministry was partnering the Ministry of Power on the provision of uninterrupted electricity to nine industrial cities by the first quarter of 2013.

He said, “Very soon, most of our SMEs will start to feel the positive impact of our Investment Climate Reforms Programmes, which we have embarked upon. In terms of electricity, we are working with the Ministry of Power to ensure that nine industrial cities have access to uninterrupted power supply by the first quarter of 2013. But in terms of improving our doing business and competitiveness ranking, it will take at least a year for the reforms we are implementing to reflect because samples have already been taken in June last year before we began the reforms.

NLC gives FG one-week strike notice

From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, His Wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan and her siblings, during the service of songs, for late Madam Rebecca Ayomike at Ugbuwangue community, Warri South LGA, Delta State. Pix: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) in a warm embrace with former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

zOver alleged occupation of PHCN installations by soldiers

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw armed soldiers from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, headquarters and other installations and commence meaningful negotiations with the workers on the outstanding labour issues or face a nationwide industrial strike.

This came as it demanded far reaching action on insecurity in the country, corruption, crude oil theft, trial of fuel subsidy scam suspects, murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, among others. It insisted on prosecution of all the accused and warned against the frustration of the trial process in any way or form.

At the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Benin City, Edo State, the NLC called on the Federal Government to not only do more to secure the lives and property of its

N

citizens in fulfillment of its social contract, but also to quickly find solutions to end this spate of alarming insecurity.

Briefing newsmen on the communique, President of NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, called for prosecution of all the accused and warned against the frustration of the trial process in any way or form, insisting that anything to the contrary could attract grave consequences.

Giving details of NLC grouse with government over happenings in the power sector, NEC members demanded immediate setting up of strike committees across the country to prosecute the planned strike and directed the unions in the sector to commence actions to compel the government and management of PHCN to implement agreements as contained in the conditions of service.

Omar said NEC condemned in its entirety the military takeover of the corporate headquarters of

the PHCN over an industrial relations issue.

According to him, “NEC calls on the Federal Government to within the next one week, withdraw the army from PHCN installations and commence negotiations with the unions on outstanding labour issues.

"Congress reiterates its earlier position that the New Pension Act did not abolish gratuity and that the 25 percent contributions by the workers should be paid up to date. It holds the view that there cannot be retroactive contribution, hence if the PHCN management intends to migrate to the new pension policy, they should go into an agreement with the unions and agree on the commencement date to start the contribution.”

NEC considers the current deductions directed by the Ministry of Power as illegal as the new Pension Act 2004 provides for the workers to open an account with a PFA of their choice and submit same to their employer for remittance.

Chief A.B. Oseragbaje, Chairman, Apollo Presidential Hotel and Prof. (Mrs.) Grace Alele Williams, (right) first Nigerian female Vice Chancellor.

From left: Senators Ifeanyi Okowa and James Manager.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 9

Briefly

Prayer for peace

BY EVELYN USMAN

L

AGOS—FOLLOW ING the spate of bombings and resultant loss of lives in the northern part of the country, Nigerians have been urged to pray for peace and stability of the nation with a view to averting a total breakdown of law and order.

The call was made, yesterday, in Lagos, by the Spiritual Head of the Gospel Church of Cherubim and Seraphim, His Eminence Olorunfunmi Bashorun, at a briefing on the church’s 50 years anniversary.

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS—A retired pi lot with defunct Nigerian Airways and National President of Concerned Aviation Professionals, CAP, Captain Tito Omaghomi, yesterday, blamed the ill-fated Dana aircraft crash on June 3, in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, on the crew members.

Omaghomi told a Lagos coroner investigating the cause of the death of victims aboard the ill-fated airline that the negligence of the flight crew, who he said did not adhere to required emergency guidelines led to the loss.

Dana crash: Omaghomi blames crew, adduces negligence Omaghomi, who is also addressed as ‘Captain Tito’ said his opinion on the preliminary report of the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, was that the pilot and his crew failed to adhere to necessary checklists to prevent the crash.

The witness, who said he had more than 32 years flying experience as a pilot, told the coroner Judge, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, that he noted from the report that the crew neglected what they

were to do when there was an emergency..

Led by Mr. Femi Falana, Omaghomi, who said he was a pilot of the defunct Nigerian Airways, explained that if the crew had paid attention to detail on the checklist the accident could have been avoided.

He said: “Checklist items are actions you take in the operations of a plane.”

The witness, who said he retired from flying commercial planes in

Family sues taskforce

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS—A N50 mil lion suit has been filed against the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences, Bayo Suleiman, for trespassing and unlawful entry into a property belonging to members of the Olarokun Family.

Also joined in the suit with ID/792/12, filed at the Lagos High Court Ikeja, was the Governor of Lagos State, Commission of Police and the Inspector-General of Police as defendants.

Anglicans hold lecture

I

KEJA—DIOCESE of Lagos West Anglican Communion will hold its quarterly lecture series on Sunday at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, by 4pm.

The guest speaker at the lecture sponsored by the Torchbearers Society is Dr. Michael Olawale Omolayole, the first Nigerian Chairman/Managing Director of Lever Brothers Nigeria Plc.

Vincentian retreat

I

K E J A — T H E Vincentian Retreat Centre, 1, De Paul Close, Yakoyo, Ojodu-Ikeja, will be ending its three-day harvest retreat with the theme: ‘Harvest of Thanksgiving and Testimonies,’ today with a vigil Mass. The event will feature harvest activities and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

It will be hosted by the Vincentian Retreat Fathers.

1993, said his opinion of the AIB’ s report was that “it was a disorganised cockpit” and that “it became a flight that nobody had control over.”

He noted from his observations, “the pilot did not call for help when he should have done, that is at the time when the plane had already lost two engines.”

He observed that the pilot of the ill-fated plane had put in 120 hours of flight within 14 days, which was against the rules that no pilot flies for more than 100 hours in a month, describing that action as “illegal”.

On air accidents in the country, Omaghomi noted that between 1965 and 2003, there were only 17

accidents, but lamented there had been almost 21 air-crashes from 2003 till date.

An Aviation Operations Manager with Total Nigeria Plc, Daniel Akpokoje, also testified that Dana Air bought fuel from his company last November.

He said several checks were conducted on fuel supplied to aircraft to ensure that there were no sediments or water mixed with it.

Further hearings of the court has been adjourned till August 13 to consider testimonies of relatives, who the court observed were making efforts to collect the remains of their loved ones who died in the crash.

Alleged military brutality, victim's family wants justice

BY BOSE ADELAJA

L

Airtel Nigeria's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rajan Swaroop (middle) recounting the company's milestones during a media roundtable in Lagos ,on Wednesday. He is flanked by the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Deepak Srivastava (right) and Director of Human Resources, Jibril Saba (left).

AGOS—THE family of Olupitan-Hassan of Ikeja area of Lagos has appealed to the authorities of the Nigerian Army to fish out the killers of their bread-winner, Adewale OlupitanHassan, a Peoples' Demo-

700 Mainstreet Bank ex-staff protest sack

BY LAJA THOMAS

I

KEJA—NO fewer than 700 sacked workers of Mainstreet Bank, formerly Afribank Plc, besieged the Lagos council secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, with placards to protest the termination of their appointments by management of the bank.

The ex-staffers gave management of the bank seven-days to pay their

redundancy benefit, while accusing the management of unfairness, injustice and disregard for the nation’s labour laws.

Addressing newsmen at the NUJ secretariat in Lagos, spokesperson of the sacked workers, Mr. Usenge Eyo, said, “sadly, we invested our resources, time and energy in Mainstreet Bank towards ensuring its success and stability only to be pushed out by the management of the bank in an

uncanny, uncivilized and cruel manner.

“Our appointments were terminated giving no reason and no terminal benefits except the one month basic salary of less than N50,000, which was paid to each of us in lieu of notice after more than 25 years of serving the bank and its predecessor and benefactor, Afribank Nigeria Plc.” Displaying placards with the inscriptions like: “AMCON, why the

Indian, BankPHB, 3 others docked over alleged N855m fraud

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & ADEOLA ADENUGA

L

AGOS—A two-count charge of conspiracy and fraudulent conversion of N855 million was, yesterday, filed against an Indian, Ashok Isran, BankPHB, NULEC Industries and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before an

Ikeja High Court.

Those arraigned alongside Isran before justice Habeeb Abiru are Anayo Nwosu, Olajide Oshodi, and Sunny Obazee, who were accused of defrauding one Sir Daniel Chukwudozie of Dozzy Oil of N855 million.

Immediately their plea was taken they all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Nwosu, Oshodi and Obazee were staff of the defunct Bank PHB while

Isran, who has dual citizenship of India and Switzerland, is the Chairman of Nulec industries. After their plea was taken, their counsel applied for their bail and was granted by the court. The first charge of conspiracy against them read: “Conspiracy to obtain money under false pretence contrary to Sections 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

choice of faith as GMD of Mainstreet Bank?: “Is Transformation Agenda meant to impoverish us?”, “Has Salako sold out?”, among others.

The workers said, “the management of Mainstreet Bank had callously used the word “termination on the letter of disengagement given to us with the belief that they could evade paying us the redundancy compensation stated in the collective agreement.''

cratic Party, PDP, loyalist, who died on Monday, July 30, few days after he was brutalised by some military officers in the Obanikoro area of Lagos State.

According to the deceased’s son, Omololu, who spoke with Vanguard, yesterday, in Lagos, his father ran into a traffic jam as a result of the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge where he was accosted by the soldiers, who dragged him out of his car and beat him. Subsequently, they dragged him to the Flag House in Marina.

The following day his health deteriorated because of the maltreatment by the soldiers and he was rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where he was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, where he died on July 30.

10— Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

I

BADAN—THE Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-West has described the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, as a fake Awoist.

PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kayode Babade, said it was laughable that Akande, who never joined the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political family until 1978, would be calling anyone a fake Awoist.

PDP said: “It is on record that Chief Bisi Akande was not a member of the Action Group, AG, the original Awolowo party, during the First Republic.

Instead of AG, he was in Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, NCNC. “It is also on record that Chief Akande opposed the progressive Awolowo’s government in the defunct Western Region. Even when NCNC and AG formed United Progressive Grand Alli-

You're a fake Awoist, PDP tells Akande zParty recalls ACN Chairman's hatred for Awolowo ance, UPGA, he didn’t join. He only joined Awolowo’s party, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, in 1978. When the late Orangun of Ila, Oba William Ayeni, was leading AG, Akande and others were leading NCNC onslaught against Awolowo in Ila-Orangun.

“How then can the same Bisi Akande be calling respected Yoruba leaders such as Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olu Falae fake Awoists when he himself had worked against Awolowo and his interests in the past, and he is a figure-head leader of a party that has not hidden its hatred for the Awolowo family?”

While also describing Akande’s claim that ACN governors in the SouthWest states were behaving like Awolowo as preposterous, PDP said: “It is

obvious that Baba Akande’s reasoning had been infected by ACN virus of falsehood. If not, he

won’t be referring to governors that are rendering people homeless by demolishing their houses

O

SOGBO—AS the Osun State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, attempts to fault the Agba Osun scheme recently inaugurated by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as a political gimmick, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has said that leadership of PDP in the state was beginning to sound intellectually bankrupt the way it reacts to whatever Aregbesola does or says.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, PDP argued that Agba Osun scheme was politically-motivated as it failed to cater for thousands of senior citizens, who genuinely require help.

Alleging that the scheme was a political gimmick designed to attract undeserved attention, the party said, “Aregbesola’s statement on the occasion in which he said his party, ACN, was just trying to use the scheme to compensate those that worked for his party in the era of Alliance for Democracy, AD, confirmed our position that the scheme is political gimmick.”

In a reply, ACN, through its Director of Publicity, Research and

Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, a lawyer, said: “PDP argued that senior citizens in Osun State were more than the selected 1602 and all of them deserved to be incorporated in such scheme if it was real and genuine.

“Besides, they appear to have totally lost touch with decency and finesse in their penchant to falsify facts to make the ACN government in the state look retrogressive.''

According to him, the PDP chairman in the state, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, was also quoted as saying that the governor used a religious programme during Ramadan ‘to lie’ that he hasn’t taken any bank loan to finance his projects. That was a false statement.

“What Ogbeni was quoted by newspapers previously as saying (and which the newspaper itself repeated) is that the ACN government since it took over power has not incurred debt to any bank in the course of financing all its projects so far - and, that is the truth.

“It is pathetic ignorance or ignoble mischief (or both) for the PDP chairman in the state not to know the difference between a bank facility (the N25 billion First Bank facility from which one kobo has not been drawn by the government) and a loan that has already been drawn and is standing as a debt to be repaid.''

Senator flays Jonathan's Ghana visit

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

From left, Chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Director, Arnold Gain; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yinka Sanni and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sola DavidBorha, all of Stanbic IBTC Bank, at the bank's court- ordered extra-ordinary general meeting and 23rd annual general meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.

SOGBO—VICECHAIRMAN of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Babajide Omoworare, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to stay at home and find solutions to the nation's problems rather than junketing across the world.

Omoworare’s criticism stemmed from President Jonathan’s visit to Ghana for the burial of Ghanian President, Professor John Atta-Mills, who is being buried in Ghana, today.

Amosun, an ingrate — Ogun PDP

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

PDP, ACN trade words over Agba Osun scheme

BY DAPO AKINREFON

without providing alternative settlements as Awoists.

Briefly

President of Benin Republic, Mr. Boni Yayi, right, and Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, during the bank management's visit to the Presidential Villa, Cotonou, yesterday.

A

BEOKUTA—PEO PLES' Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, described Governor Ibikunle Amosun as an ingrate over his comment that he regretted joining PDP in the first instance.

Speaking in Abeokuta, after the inauguration of the party’s chairmen in all the 20 local governments, the chairman of the party in the state, Oladipo Odujinrin, said Amosun rode on the back of exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 to become a senator.

No room for NURTW in Oyo politics, by Ajimobi

BY OLA AJAYI

I

B A DA N — G OV E R NOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said his administration will not involve members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the state’s politics.

The governor said: “The peace that the state now enjoys was occasioned by the ability of the government to manage and put the once-violent union under control.”

He said these, yesterday, while welcoming the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Ghandi Ebikeme Orubebe to Ibadan, on a courtesy visit.

Ajimobi also said in his appreciation of the importance of security, his administration would soon

give a vehicle each to all the police divisions in the state.

Having seen violent activities by the union, he noted, that his administration had worked closely with the police to ensure peace reigned in the state.

Ajimobi said:”NURTW remains the root of all the

problems and the peace being enjoyed in the state was due to our ability to manage them. We don’t want them to interfere in politics, we will not involve them, let them remain in the business of commercial transportation while we face governance.”

Earlier, the AIG commended the governor for his assistance to the police command, noting that “it is the likes of the governor, who believes that the Federal Government alone cannot shoulder the problem of security that has made his job easier.''

Akeredolu promises Ondo residents quality health care

A

KURE—THE candi date of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, for the October 20, governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has promised to provide a comprehensive health care regime which will benefit all the strata of society- mother, child, youth, father and the aged.

He made the promise, yesterday, while touring the wards at Odigbo Local Government Area of the state which was attended by a mammoth crowd.

In a statement by his Campaign Organisation’s Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Idowu Ajanaku, Akeredolu said: “This will be achieved by

providing state of the art health care facilities in all the local government areas and services which would be affordable and efficient.

“He promised to provide an integrated system with the whole picture of getting health care services to the people in the urban and rural areas.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 —11

Militant group condemns attack on Warri journalists

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—A MILI TANT group, Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, has criticised the attack on journalists in Warri, Delta State, by a group of exmilitants on Tuesday.

NDLF, in a statement by its spokesperson, 'Captain' Mack Anthony, described the invasion of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents’ Chapel, Warri Office, by supposed exmilitants as unacceptable.

He said: “NDLF conVISIT: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (left) discussing with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties and Agreements led by its Chairman, Mr. Yacob Alebiosu Bush (right) when the team embarked on a fact-finding visit to the state yesterday.

Group warns against effects of security challenges

Lawyers to boycott court over kidnap A of Delta judge

BY EMMA AMAIZE & AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—THE fam ily of the kidnapped Delta State High Court judge, Justice Marcel Okoh, is worried over the silence by the abductors of their breadwinner, who have failed to make contact of any sort, as they pleaded for his release.

Also, the state Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed to reporters, yesterday, that “there was no link with the kidnappers yet, but our manhunt is on for them.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Warri branch, has ordered its members to boycott courts in the state until Justice Okoh, was released.

In a related development, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, said he would not want to disclose publicly what his government was doing on the matter for security reasons.

Similarly, Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, led by Oghenejabor Ikimi, has called for the release of the judge.

Justice Okoh, a former Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, was sworn in as a judge in June this year along with five other newly appointed judges in the state.

Since his kidnap on Monday on his way to office in Warri, workers of

...as family yet to establish contact with abductors 4 days after

the state Ministry of Justice from where he was elevated to the position of a judge had also been in somber mood.

Workers at the ministry had a prayer session that Monday, when the news of his abduction broke, calling for God’s intervention for his release.

When this reporter called back at the ministry, yesterday, many of the workers were still wearing gloomy faces.

They called on the kidnappers to have a change of heart and re-

lease the judge, whom they described as a good man.

NBA Warri branch, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Gweke Akudihor, after a meeting in Warri, insisted that the issue of kidnapping in the state must be addressed.

It said: “We consider this wicked and criminal act as a confrontation to the state, as it is unimaginable that hoodlums could contemplate on abducting a person as a highly respected High

Court judge of the state judiciary.”

Condemning the onslaught on the generality of Deltans by hoodlums, the association lamented that the scourge had been on the increase in recent time.

“Regretably, judges and their relatives have had more than a fair share of this unwarranted and shameful situation with the government and its security agencies being unable to do anything about it,” the association said.

Bakassi Front hoists national flag, sets up radio station

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

C

ALABAR—A GROUP of displaced Bakassi youths has threatened to form its own nation following alleged abandonment by the Federal Government and the ceding of their ancestral land to the Republic of Cameroon.

A militant group in the area, Bakassi Self Determination Front, has, meanwhile, hoisted its Blue-White-Red liberation flag dotted with stars at Dayspring, which was supposed to be the resettlement camp for the displaced and has set up a radio station.

The station, which allegedly started testtransmission on August 6, 2012, at 12p.m., operates on 4.2 MHz and

5.2MHz Short Wave band in both Efik and English languages, disseminates information on activities in the ceded Peninsula.

The Bakassi Self Determination Front had, four days ago, issued a twoweek ultimatum to its people living in the ceded territory to vacate or be crushed. It also warned against movement on the sea on Saturday August 11 and Sunday 12, 2012.

It was alleged that the group had in a text message to the member representing Bakassi/Calabar South/Akpabuyo constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Essien Ayi, said: “This is your constituency, there shall be no movement of boats from Ikang beach or Marina beach to Cam-

eroon on August 11 and 12, 2012.

“Announce to your constituents, major takeover events will occur that will take the world by surprise for those who dance for the society must learn to know when the drumming demands a new dance.

“Those who come from Usakedet by bush track to Akwa and Archibong town must not move on those days. God will definitely be on the throne on these days. We hope you will save your people.”

The group claimed that a Cameroon radio monitored in Yoande said the military high command of the country was watching the unfolding events in Bakassi and will respond to it appropriately.

demns in strong terms, the alleged attack on Warri Correspondents Chapel secretariat by protesting miscreants, who posed as ex-militants because of the non-availability of reporters to grant them interview at the time they called at the office.

“We warn those youths, who parade themselves as ex-militants and at the same time, cause insecurity in Niger Delta in the name of ex-militants, to desist from doing so in the interest of their lives as their serial protest had drawn the anger of NDLF ex- soldiers."

Niger Delta youth group,Front for Ijaw Survival and Hope, FISH, has warned that if President Goodluck Jonathan is made to leave office without developing the Niger Delta due to national security challenges, the Ijaw and Niger Delta may resist the next government.

Reacting to recent calls

by Boko Haram on Presi-

dent Jonathan to convert to Islam or resign, Director of Operations, FISH, Comrade Solomon Aloba said: “The injustice inflicted on the Niger Delta has been in the front burner and the people now expect President Goodluck Jonathan to act fast to address the decades of neglect for the good of the entire nation.”

Group lauds royal father's ban on cult activities

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

N

ATIONAL Execu tive Council of Onicha-Ugbo Patriotic Union Worldwide, OPUW NEC, has commended the decision of the traditional ruler of the community, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I, to disband all youth formations and cult activities in the area.

In a statement at the end of a meeting of the union, President-Gener-

al, Mr. Vincent Emeka Uba, described the ban by the traditional ruler as a welcome development that would go a long way to sanitising the community and rid it of criminal activities by youths.

The group which passed a vote of confidence on Obi Chukwumalizie I frowned at an attempt by some disgruntled persons of the area to link him with the killing of a youth of the community after he allegedly raped a mad woman.

Chevron urged to fix Ugborodo water pipeline

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—AN Ug borodo based youth organisation, Niger Delta Youths Against Oppression, NDYAO, has called on Chevron Nigeria Limited in Escravos to effect immediate repairs on the leaking water pipelines supplying Ode-Ugborodo community from its tank farm that had been faulty for over 15-years.

The group in a statement by its President, Mr. Ofe Nene, gave

Chevron a 21-day ultimatum to effect the repairs or face the wrath of the people.

He noted that Chevron can afford to repair broken oil pipelines at any time but had refused to repair the water pipe lines in Ode-Ugborodo for 15 years. He said Chevron only supplies drinking water to the community every day for just two hours which it said did not meet the needs of the people, as they now have to make do with saline water.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Jonathan's free to contest 2015 poll — Okoko

I've no hand in removal of LG bosses —Dickson

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G O A — BAYELSA State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday, absolved the state executive of any involvement in the sack of five local government area chairmen in the state.

Dickson, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the removal of the chairmen was based on the recommendation of the state House of Assembly, a distinct arm of government, at the conclusion of its probe of the councils’ finances.

The governor ’s clarification is coming on the heels of claims that the removal of the chairmen was orchestrated by the governor following their alleged loyalty to the immediate past governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva.

He said: “Contrary to insinuations and ill-informed reports making the rounds that the five sacked council chairmen had the backing of the executive arm, it is pertinent to state that the governor, Mr Dickson, had no hand in the matter."

SERVICE OF SONGS: From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; his wife Roli and her sibling, during the service of songs for late Madam Rebecca Ayonmike, the governor's mother-in-law, at Ugbuwangue, Warri-South Council Area of Delta State, yesterday. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Bees sting man to death in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

U CONDOLENCE VISIT: From left, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, when Governor Amaechi paid a condolence visit to the Uduaghans in Warri.

Flood kills 7-yr-old girl in C-River ...3 missing, 2 hospitalised

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

C

ALABAR—A SEV EN-year-old girl was been feared dead, while three were declared missing following the flood caused by Cross River, which overflowed its bank and swept away the community of Umon Island in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Two persons, it was gathered, are now receiving treatment in hospital.

Among those receiving treatment at the community Health Centre, in Umon, who narrowly escaped death when their houses collapsed on them are a 53-year-old woman and a 78 years old man, who were rescued by the community vigilante group.

The corpses of the missing children feared drowned in the flood when their houses collapsed and were appar-

ENAGOA—PROF Kimse Okoko, President of Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of Niger Delta, CENND and former President of Ijaw National Congress, INC, has described as “unnecessary distraction” the call on President Goodluck Jonathan not to run for the 2015 general elections.

He insisted that the President was at liberty to run for a second term as enshrined in the 1999 constitution if he so desires.

He said: “As far as I know, the call is amazing. What is the basis for anybody to say President Jonathan should not run for the Presidency come 2015? The constitution allows him to do so and

if he decides to run, why should anybody stop him?

“It is complete distraction as far as I am concerned. Let him do the work for which he was elected. We have so many problems in this country and he has so much to do.

Why are we bothering him with the question of whether he is entitled to run or not?

“If there is any agreement he signed with anybody I am not aware of that as far as I am concerned. My comments are based on the provision of the 1999 constitution. There is nothing in that constitution that stops him from running.

This is his first term and he is entitled to run for a second term as allowed by the constitution. So I don’t want to be bothered by this distraction.”

ently washed into the river, were yet to be recovered despite efforts by the village divers, searching the river.

The family of the deceased girl, who had already been buried was still in shock, as the mother was seen mourning at the grave side, yesterday.

At press time, over 40 houses had been destroyed while no fewer than 1,500 people had been displaced and squatting in the primary school and other places.

Over 70 percent of the village with a population of 6,000 is flooded and movement between houses is now done either by wading through water, which is at waist level or in canoes.

A community leader, Elder Okon Aniyom, said: “The flood is not showing any sign of abating and we are afraid of what next would happen should the water increase from its current

level.”

He recalled that such catastrophe had occurred twice in his lifetime, in 1971 and 1991, but that the magnitude could never be compared with

what had just happened.

Assessing the disaster, Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Vincent Aquah, described the incident as pathetic, attributing the flood to the global climate change.

GHELLI—OG BOIN-Ama Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into confusion following the death of a bulldozer operator with Setraco Construction Company, Mr. Samuel Onuabuchi, who was stung to death by bees.

Vanguard gathered that the bulldozer operator was attacked by the bees while he was removing trees and debris on the Ogboin-Ama and Akugbene community road that was contracted to his firm for repairs.

A source said Onuabuchi was stung to

death before people could come to his rescue, adding that other workers on site with him could not go near him for fear of being stung.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said Onuabuchi was, however, rushed to Bomadi General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by doctors.

Describing the death of Onuabuchi as shocking and painful, a management staff of the company, who also pleaded anonymity, said the company would miss the deceased.

Disclosing that the deceased hailed from Anambra State and a father of four, he said Mr Onuabuchi was aged 44."

DESOPADEC to partner Police in crime control

BY EMMA ARUBI

D

ELTA State Com missioner of Police, Mr. Aduba Aya, has visited Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC at the commission’s headquarters in Warri.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho, who welcomed the state police boss, said the visit was a welcome development.

He said the Commission had embarked on some police welfare enhancing projects in War-

ri such as building of a modern police station and massive renovation of the “A” Division police barracks, adding that there was the need to partner with the police because of the essential services they provide to the commission in particular and Deltans in general.

Mr. Aya said his posting to the state was a thing of joy to him and those around him because of the level of his experience in the force.

He noted that the state was prone to many criminal and social vices

ranging from kidnapping to robbery and youth restiveness. He said that because restiveness in the state was getting out of hand, he had sought the assistance of multinational companies and governmental agencies to join in curbing the crime wave.

He said: “Though the police force is a federal institution, the place of the state government in helping the force cannot be left out.”

He noted that most of the equipment the force had received in recent time were donated by the

state government. This, he said, was as a result of the insufficient budget provided for the police at the federal level.

He said: "The police in Delta State is working around the clock to combat crime and to ensure the success of this target.

We have also resolved to work with various communities’ vigilante groups.” He thanked the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his support to the police force and pleaded with DESOPADEC to put in its best to see that the aims of the police were achieved.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 13

C M Y K

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 15

Kogi Dep Gov denies involvement with alleged child traffickers

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

L

ATTACK: Mr. Idowu, escaping with bloodstains on his shirt after allegedly attacking Mr. Benedict Uwalaka, a photo-journalist with the Leadership Newspapers (inset), at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, during the collection of the remains of Dana aircrash victims in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Shola Oyelese.

NOA advocates patriotism education in schools

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

D

IRECTOR-General of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, yesterday, advocated the promotion of patriotism education over civic education in schools, saying Nigerians would do their civic duties once they are taught to be patriotic.

He spoke at the commemoration of the International Day of the Youths, IDY, in Abuja, where various youth groups tasked political parties to draw the line on who is a youth. They chided political parties, which they claim had restricted leadership of their youth bodies to elderly persons.

Mr. Nkoyo Toyo,

memeber, meanwhile, House of Representatives dismissed claims by youth groups that Nigerian elders had set a barrier against their participation in politics.

The celebration facilitated

by United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, through its Democratic Governance for Development, DGD, project was attended by political stakeholders, youth groups and civil society groups.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, regretted what he described as “inadequate and deliberate measures” that have barred the youths, who represent over 50 percent of the population, from active engagement in politics.

OKOJA—KOGI State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, has denied media report of his involvement in the release of some alleged child traffickers, who were intercepted in the state.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Micheal Abu, in a statement, said the suspected child traffickers were released after due investigation by the police and consultation with the parents and guardians of the children and notable people, who intervened in the case.

He said: “The report that someone ordered their release does not even arise because everything was done by the police subject to their investigation.

“It was based on Police advise that they were re-

leased to their relations.

The false rumour making round does not augur well for anybody.”

He said he had a one-onone discussion with some

Dana crash: Hitches as relatives claim bodies

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

L

AGOS—LATE arrival and non-compliance with laid down directives for collection of identified bodies by relatives of the Dana air crash victims, delayed the anticipated release of the first batch of bodies, yesterday, at Lekan Ogunshola Memorial Mortuary, of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja.

Meanwhile, a scuffle between some of the mortuary attendants and a photojournalist detailed to cover the event, turned bloody.

This development, which occurred despite efforts of Lagos State Government to ensure speedy collection of the corpses of the victims,

slowed the entire process such that only few of the 20 bodies scheduled for release could be evacuated.

Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. David Oke said: “Some of the relatives did not come on time and so we took their reference specimen late.

“I cannot say precisely how many bodies had been released so far because some relatives were not ready and some others decided to keep the bodies in the morgue.

“As long as the corpses stay in the morgue, Lagos State Government is not charging any money from the relatives.

“I assure you, if all the families are ready today, they will get the corpses of their relatives accordingly.

We are hoping that in the next one week, we will be done depending on the relatives’ response.”

Photo-journalist attacked Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said the scuffle between the mortuary attendants and the photographer, which contributed to the delay of the scheduled release of the bodies, occurred when the photographer, Mr. Benedict Uwalaka of the Leadership Newspapers, was allegedly attacked and beaten up by the mortuary attendants, who accused him of attempting to take shots of the bodies inside the morgue.

However, Uwalaka, who was later admitted at the hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained in the fracas, denied the allegations.

He said: “What happened

was that as a photo-journalist, I needed to get a close up photograph of my objective, and when I noticed that a vehicle had been parked across the entrance of the mortuary, I moved closer to get a close-up shot of the vehicle. That was all.

“Before I knew what was happening, someone seized my camera, another grabbed my phone as the others charged at me, raining blows all over my body.

“I was hit on the face by a bottle and ended up with cuts and bruises to my left eye, head and left leg. I was covered in my own blood.”

Uwalaka said the incident was reported to the Area “F” Police Command, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, where he obtained a promise of a full investigation into the incident.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

of the children before their release, and that most of them were students on legitimate journey to meet relatives in other parts of the country.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On the new Lagos traffic laws

T

HE new Lagos traffic laws are for security. Activities of road users are instrumental to accidents. So in terms of that, it is a good move.

National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, should be operating in the parks and not on the roads.—Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe, Lecturer.

T

HAT NURTW members have left the roads is a good thing. They should go away because they make transport fare too expensive for commuters. The disadvantage of having them is enormous. If they can operate from their offices, fine.—Mr. Chimaobi Christian, Applicant.

I

can’t really say that NURTW should go.

But the way they are disturbing us is too much.

We’ll buy council ticket and Agbero ticket. Yet they will collect money from us and carry our Okada to their office, only to collect N2,000 or N3,000.—Mr. Bulus Eskadavis, Okada Rider.

C

HANGE is a con stant thing in life.

NURTW will definitely have to adapt because nobody is above the law. They can as well be brought from the wildness into a domesticated state and they will do their work in a more refined way.— Mr. Duru Ifeanyi, NYSC Member.

T

HE goals are good because NURTW disturb us a lot. We buy council ticket, and still buy Agbero ticket. The thing is really disturbing.

So if they can pursue Agbero for us, it will be very, very good. We would like it that way.—Mr. Okechukwu Ogirika, Okada Rider.

D

ESPITE the new laws, NURTW is still collecting money from us. Go to the roads as we speak. You will find their agents collecting money. It is always easy to make laws.

Implementation is the real essence of leadership.—Mr. Gabriel Ewutera, Okada Rider.

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Workers' strike paralyses Shiroro dam

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—ACTIVITIES were paralysed at Shiroro Dam of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, in Niger State, yesterday, following the indefinite strike embarked upon by National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, over the decision of Federal Government to merge them with the old pension scheme.

The main gate of the Dam was put under lock and key, while the workers staged their protest and prevented other workers from gaining entrance into the premises.

They had different placards with various inscriptions, such as: Don’t short change us; Pay us our full benefits; Bart Nnaji, Tell Nigerians the truth about PHCN; Minister of Power, Treat us with Dignity, among others, and chanted war songs at the gate.

Speaking to newsmen during the protest, Chairman of NUEE, Mallam Nagwa Mohammed, said most of them had been told to go but had not been paid or told what their entitlements were before they

were eventually laid off.

He said: “We do not have guns; we only want the world to know that we are being intimidated and cheated. They are asking us to go and we are ready to go if our entitlements are paid.

“Government should honor the agreement by paying us our full benefits.

You cannot send people

away by force. It is not done anywhere.”

Mohammed said they were not afraid to leave the job, but that what they wanted was for government to allow them continue with the old pension scheme and honor the conditions of employment, which states that when they are retiring their full benefits must be paid.

Ahmed flays foreign media over Nigeria's image

BY BETTY INEGBENEBOR

G

O V E R N O R Abdulfatal Ahmed of Kwara State has warned that the way Nigeria’s image was being portrayed by the international media would not do the country any good. He noted that unless Nigerians join hands to address the trend, the much desired investors may be scared away from the country.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Wahab Oba, said: “For too long, the bad side of Africa has been over-

projected in the international media.”

The governor, who stressed that Nigeria was neither a failed state nor about to be one, spoke when he received in audience at Government House, Ilorin, the crew of an international film, Monkey Men, being shot in the Kwara State capital.

Ahmed, who acknowledged the multifaceted challenges facing the country, said the challenges can be surmounted by building confidence in Nigerians rather than creating a state of helplessness.

Clinton expresses concern over Al-Qaeda in ECOWAS sub-region

By HUGO ODIOGOR with Agency report

P

ROSPECTS of Mali becoming the launching pad for Al-Qaeda In Magbreb to destabilise West Africa was top on the agenda of the regional security issuesd raised by, Mrs. Hilary Clintion during her discussion’s with president Gooluck •Hilary Clintion Jonathan who receieved assurances from the visit- lamist groups.

The US and the UN are ing US Secretary of State worried about the declaraher country would support every effort to tame domes- tion of Azawad State in northern Mali and the tic terrorism Mrs. Clinton is in Abuja growing impunity with to consult with Nigeria as which the domestic insurthe UN begins delibera- gency of Boko Haram has tions on imposition of fi- assumed in Nigeria. Dipnancial and travel sanctions lomatic sources said the on Malian rebels and there a strong possibility of fighters linked to radical Is- taking military action to

restore sanity in Mali.

Mrs. Clinton expressed the worries of US and the international community about the growing insecurity in West Africa. Meanwhile, an ECOWAS envoy, Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, has said that northern Mali was in danger of becoming a safe haven for “terrorist groups” unless the international community intervened.

“The objective of the terrorist groups and transnational organised criminals is clear: It is to create a safe haven and a coordinating centre in the north of Mali for continental terrorist networks,” Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, told the UNSC meeting in New York.

NTC hands over to Libya’s elected Assembly

L

IBYA’s ruling coun cil has handed over power to a newly elected national assembly in the North African country’s first peaceful transition of power in its modern history but which comes amid

heightened violence.

In a late-night ceremony held under tight security in Tripoli, the National Transitional Council (NTC), political arm of the opposition forces that toppled Muammar Gaddafi a year ago,

handed over to the national congress, elected in July. NTC Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil symbolically passed on the reins to the oldest member of the new 200-member assembly, Mohammed Ali Salim.

Positive economic indicators in Obama's favour

W

DAY 22: Observing I’tikaf (2)

R

AMADAN fast has been pre scribed for all Muslims for the development of their souls and to enable them subdue their carnal appetites.

This much exertion and sacrifice of sensual desires has been made obligatory upon every Muslim; that he neither eats nor drinks anything nor seek sexual satisfaction during the whole of the blessed month, in compliance with the command of Allah (SWT) and in the process avoid all sinful acts.

It is the general, compulsory course of spiritual training and self-purification for the month of Ramadan and for higher spiritual development that I’tikaf (seclusion) becomes necessary. But before you embark on this seclusion, there are some conditions that must be considered. These are:

Sound state of mind: Thus, the person must not be mentally unstable; True Faith (Eeman ): Belief is the only thing that distinguishes the non-Muslim and the Muslim performing Itikaf.

Permission: I’tikaf could infringe on the man’s marital rights with his wife and other members of the family if their consent was not sought.

It becomes necessary for the Mutakif to seek permission from his spouse or family before embarking on it.

Similarly, if one’s parents are not happy about his absence for days, then the Muslim is not permitted to go forth for this act of worship. One must have the permission of the person or family whom he is responsible to.

Intention ( Niyyat ): I’tikaf must be per-

formed for the purpose of seeking closeness to Allah and not to show off or due to societal, family or peer pressure.

Fasting (Sawm): The person who is not able to fast, for whatever reason, is deprived from this act of worship. Therefore, if a person is a traveler or one who is not able to fast due to some impediments, he cannot partake in I’tikaf.

Place: One must stay inside the Mosque for the entire period for his I’tikaf to be correct.

Prayer of the day

O Allah, on this day, waken me with the blessings of its early mornings, illuminate my heart with the brightness of its rays, let every part of my blood follow its effects, by your light, O the illuminator of the hearts of those who know.

Amen.

ITH five months to the US presidential election,providence seems to be smiling on much vilified President Barack Obama as the country’s economic indicators are pointing towards the positive directions.

President Obama was cautious as usual as he savours the positive reports while his Republican Party challenger, maybe forced to redirect the theme of his campaigen message, which has put the blame of the poor performance of the economy on the Democratic Party led Federal Government Reports from the Wall Street yesterday showed that stocks edged slightly up for a fifth session, on better-than-expected jobless claims and trade data in the United States and hopes of further stimulus action from China’s central bank. The Nasdaq outperformed the broader market, led higher by Cisco Systems Inc after Goldman Sachs added the network equipment maker ’s stock to its conviction

buy list and Piper Jaffray raised its Cisco rating to “overweight.” Cisco shares rose 2 percent to $17.54.

But the Wall Street gains were seen weak as investors feared the market may show signs of fatigue with the S&P 500 near a four-year high, up 1 percent for the week.

•Barack Obama

FSA rebels hold out amid govt bombardment of Aleppo

T

HE Syrian army has renewed its heavy shelling of rebelheld areas of Aleppo, the country’s commercial capital, anti-government activists have said, forcing the armed opposition to withdraw from at least one neighbourhood.

Intense bombardment rocked the neighbourhoods of Saleheddin, Hanano, Saif al-Dawla, Shaar and Shakur yesterday, anti-government groups have said. The army attacks are part of the government’s continuing air and ground assaults on Aleppo, which

is being defended by armed members of the movement to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president. The battle for the city has now raged for more than two weeks.

The fighting in Aleppo has focused mainly on the neighbourhood of Salaheddin, where heavy clashes have taken place in recent days between the Free Syrian Army and government forces.

On Thursday morning, FSA commanders said that they were withdrawing from some parts of the neighbourhood, under heavy government fire.

Sweet & SOUR

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 17

Donu Kogbara of many Nigerians.

It may be that most legislators are utterly sincere pillars of respectability who won their elections fair and square, passionately pursue their constituents’ interests, take their oversight duties very seriously indeed and firmly reject any bribes they may be offered to turn a blind eye to misconduct in high places.

But there is a widespread belief that they are a bunch of Aminu Tambuwal--Speaker, House of Reps blackmailers and and that “ with the kind of riggers who are only there to line corruption in the system, I do not their pockets and only threaten think the threat is real…” to discipline heads of state, Nzeribe has echoed the views ministers, DGs, etc, because they want to be bought off.

The National Assembly has a huge image problem and it will desirable business/investment be interesting to see whether it can launder its reputation, destination?

As for our stolen artefacts: In recover from scandals like the an ideal world, the Nigerian Farouk Lawan subsidy saga and government would insist that conclusively prove that it is a foreigners return all of the items credible institution.

In the meantime, many people that were removed without our will continue to be convinced that permission during the colonial the majority of legislators are like era. But this is not likely to insatiable lapdogs who are only happen. And, frankly, foreigners pretending to bark…and will probably do a better job than we never inflict any big bites on any would of caring for them! hand that is willing to feed them Dear Readers, am I right or juicy bones. wrong or both?

Legislators’ impeachment threat

I

N last Tuesday’s Vanguard, Henry Umoru reported that Senator Arthur Nzeribe has accused National Assembly members of lacking the moral

A

President Goodluck Jonathan

courage to impeach President Jonathan for poorly implementing the 2012 budget.

Nzeribe apparently said,

during a recent interactive session with journalists in Abuja, that “nobody respects the average lawmaker any more”

Tourism debate

N editor called Gbenga A l a k a (gbengaalaka@yahoo.co.uk) contacted me a few days ago. He runs a magazine that promotes tourism. When I expressed skepticism about Nigeria’s tourism potential, he got back to me with the following comments: Dear Sister, we have so many natural tourism sites in Nigeria not minding the fact that they have not been harnessed and that a lot of our artefacts were stolen and stored in the British Museum. Security problems aside, Nigeria is not a bad holiday destination, from Argungun in Kebbi to Durbar in Kano, the Sukur world heritage site in Adamawa, the Mambilla in Taraba and the Obudu Ranch

and Calabar Carnival. On your next trip to Naija, hold me responsible. I bet I can take you to a few places that will make you have a rethink.

I responded somewhat waspishly: Dear Gbenga, I have visited some of the tourism sites you mentioned and feel that they are OK rather than impressive.

Having travelled fairly extensively at home and abroad, I think it is fair to say that there are higher mountains, bluer lakes, nicer beaches, prettier landscapes, more distinguished architectural structures, more historically important sites, etc, in so many other countries.

It is also worth noting that there are countries in which the average citizen is more interested

OPINION Enough of this hypocrisy

BY TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

A ONE time United States of American Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, once referred to Nigeria as the poorest oil rich nation in the world. What an oxymoron?

How can a country be oil rich and yet extremely poor? This is because her wealth is looted by conscienceless power elite given to stealing everything within reach. They steal public funds with the impunity and ruthlessness that will stir the conscience of even the most dangerous armed robber.

Paradoxically, they pretend to be sentinels of the public good and paragons of moral rectitude. In their hypocrisy, they ignore their own moral problems and make believe that they have the moral authority to lecture Nigerians

on morality and to enforce the laws of the land.

In his denunciation of hypocrisy, Jesus Christ urged the hypocrite to “first cast out the beam out of thine eyes” before offering to “pull out the mote out of thine (brother’s) eye”. The import of that admonition was that if the hypocrite can first remove the beam in his own eyes, he will see clearly, and consequently, realise that there was really nothing in his brother’s eye.

He thought there was a mote in his brother’s eye because what was in his own eyes was obstructing his vision, and therefore, distorting his perception.

The Nigerian power elite, through their underpaid and unappreciated band of illmotivated and lethargic men

in making visitors happy than in squeezing money out of them....and that the same cannot be said of the average Nigerian...who is aggressively materialistic by nature and therefore not tourism-friendly.

My view is that individuals and nations should concentrate on developing their core strengths and competitive advantages.

Why try to chase after a slice of the African tourist market when Gambia, South Africa, Egypt,Tunisia, Morocco and Kenya are better at entertaining visitors and more beautiful?

Nigerians are more entrepreneurial in outlook than other Africans and are blessed with abundant natural resources.

So shouldn't we channel our energies into becoming a highly

and women (the Nigeria Police Force), are fighting crime in Nigeria. But they need to awaken to the incontrovertible reality that there is really no crime to fight in the Nigerian society. What they perceive as the crimes of the Nigerian society are only reflections of the criminality of the Nigerian power elite.

It is the ruling class, and not the masses, that are in desperate need of reformation.

If they can vigorously assault their own issues of lechery and lawlessness, greed and graft, cupidity and corruption, cruelty and cold-heartedness and dishonesty and downright thievery, they will come to a consternating realisation that the Nigerian people have no problem.

Continues on Monday *Mr. Ezukanma, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

Blaming foreigners

A

T a workshop organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, Femi Falana, the well-known lawyer, accused Western nations of fuelling corruption in Nigeria and other African countries.

Falana produced various examples to support his claim and I have no doubt that most of the points he made were valid. And it’s not the first time that this type of complaint has been publicly aired. Several observers of the arenas in which Africans and foreigners relate to each other have jumped to similar conclusions.

History has shown us that too many Europeans and Americans are too eager to collude with local officials who specialise in dubious business deals.

Furthermore, it is sometimes the foreigners who initiate the dubious element. It is also true to say that dodgy foreigners sometimes receive covert encouragement from their home governments – ie, the very same home governments that sanctimoniously lecture Africans about ethics.

BUT, BUT, BUT: Even though Americans and Europeans can be hypocritical and corrupt, they do not allow corruption to totally

Femi Falana mess up their own countries!

Their schools and hospitals are, on the whole, good. Their roads are not full of potholes. They have round-the-clock electricity.

It is only we who have taken corruption to such ridiculous, selfdestructive extremes that we are drowning.

At the end of the day, we are the architects of MOST of our misfortunes and should not spend too much time blaming foreigners for our failures.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 THE protracted tussle between the federal government and concessionaire, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (BASL) is an untidy example of how officials’ poor attitude to government work clogs our developmental efforts.

The domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, was like a glorified chicken shed before it got burnt in 2000. The President Olusegun Obasanjo regime conceded it to BASL on the “build, operate and transfer” model. Based on the April 2003 agreement it was initially billed to last for twelve years. But on February 2, 2007, it was suddenly extended to last for 36 years.

Indeed, BASL was able to set up a modern, internationally-compliant airport terminal; the first of its type in Nigeria, complete with automated processes and a parking lot. It cost billions of naira borrowed from local banks.

A controversy, however, arose as to whether the 36 years was not too long for a concession of this type. Aviation stakeholders, such as Arik Air, the National Union of Air Transport Services Employees (NUATE), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)

Power tussle over MMA2 challenged Bi-Courtney’s legal quest to assert its right to run the concession for the 36 years.

Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have already upheld Bi-Courtney’s rights.

As a model of concession of public works to private sectors our interest is to ensure that the right balance is struck between the interest of the general public and that of concessionaires. The period of 36 years is obviously too long. But since the government went into the arrangement with its eyes open it must respect its terms. The government of this country has become notorious for voluntarily signing agreements and backing out unilaterally, thus creating undue friction.

This was the problem that plunged Nigeria into civil war in 1966/67.

However, we advocate for a probe of the variation of length of the concession to establish whether public officials slept on their duties or compromised their integrity. If such a case is established the officials should be sanctioned to ensure public servants sit up to their duties in future.

Since government is now firmly moving in the direction of concession for rapid development, even to the point of setting up the General Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) we must ensure we respect the terms of all agreements to encourage more private investors to participate.

Bi-Courtney must also be made to improve its poor maintenance profile of MMA2 where most of the automated processes regularly break down with little effort to attend to them.

While we support the respect for agreements and court verdicts we insist that Bi-Courtney must be held to account in terms of maintenance and adjustments in the cost of its services.

OPINION

BY ANDY ADIBEMMA

I

HAVE always seen the new Police Inspector General, M.D. Abubakar from the angle of generalisation. That is, same of same if you understand what I mean. Over time, the Nigeria Police has acquired a notoriety that eclipsed the shining lights within the force. Until recently, the image of the force was as black as the uniform worn by its rank and file. The coming of the new IGP has put a fitting end to all that.

Upon his appointment, Abubakar talked of dismantling roadblocks: those deeply hated ‘toll gates’ mounted by members of the force. Many thought he was just rehashing an old promise, since before now his predecessors had talked tough on the same issue to no avail. But the abolition of check points has come to stay. The rank and file now appreciate that there is a better way of policing the highways without the help of used tires, bricks and tree trunks. Police image is the better for it, thanks to Abubakar who stood his ground against the entrenched cabal in the system who did not want their shameful streams of filthy lucre to dry up.

Of course, we can point to isolated checkpoints here and there, more so at odd hours of the day, but these types remain just thatisolated cases. One can now ride from Onitsha to Benin without encountering a single police check point. In Imo State you can travel from Owerri to Umuaka without a checkpoint in sight.

This road of less than 40 kilometers used to habour over 10 police checkpoints in a given day.

The Abubakar’s ‘new’ police has a new uniform. Today, the Nigeria Police steps out with a trendy camouflage. It is a far improved look from the old dark regulation wears. The new uniform seems to have come with a new spirit.

There is a new culture in the force: a culture of civility. Maybe other para-military services will borrow a leaf from IGP Abubakar and spruce up their uniforms and image.

The IGP and the police earned more kudos with the conduct

Abubakar: New chip off the old block of the July 14 Edo governorship election. Initially, so many were of the mind that the police will disappoint. This feeling arose from the hard evidence of past elections.

This time around, the police under the helmsmanship of Abubakar, effectively provided security and showed exceptional neutrality. More to the point, there was not a single case of misconduct involving the police. The Edo experience reveals that the integrity of the man at the top will always influence the conduct of his subordinates. The police acquitted themselves well in this election because the IGP was on hand and took personal interest in the activities of his foot soldiers.

Over the years, police barracks across the country have the well-earned reputation of glorified hovels, ghettoes and shanty towns. From Obalende in Lagos to Shell Camp in Owerri, and everywhere else for that matter, the squalid environment under which the nation’s crime fighters live is an enduring national scandal. This picture is one M.D. Abubakar has undertaken to change for good. Speaking during one of his numerous visits to police formations in the country, the super cop said: “Efforts are on to improve their (police) welfare. As I am talking to you, even at the police council they are looking at many issues, welfare, remuneration, barracks, office accommodation and transportation, everything you can talk of”. The IGP clearly appreciates that until these issues are cleared up and officers and men put in high spirits, the effectiveness of his men will remain poor.

So far, his body language suggests that he is determined to tackle these perennial problems of the force. A mind well-tuned by adequate sleep and relaxation will discharge assigned duties better than one which lay awake through the night because

of leaking roofs and all. This, the IGP knows. That is why he is making serious efforts to change not only police uniform but police accommodation.

Another landmark achievement of the new IGP is in the area of crime prevention. He has in a short time in office given new impetus to reduction in crime and criminality.

When he said on assumption of office that he was going to fight crime head on, cynics did not take him serious. After all, the police is paid to fight crime and they have not shown excellence in it. The coming of Abubakar, not minding the distraction called Boko Haram, has recorded improvements in crime reduction.

Criminal activities are on the decline. Everyday these days, you read about the police busting one criminal gang or the other. And this is happening without police checkpoints. The improved effort in undercover operations is bearing fruits.

One hopes this will continue. Before he took over from Ringim, Boko Haram visited Louis Edet House, leaving huge cracks and destruction. Abubakar has seen to the repairs and reconstruction of that magnificent building. He has been able to remove the gapping sore on the psyche of the police by repairing that edifice.

As he promised after his confirmation, a new vigour, action and efficiency is at work in the police effort to fight crime and protect lives and property. This has also given filip to the force’s image which is on a positive bend. Left to mature, his commendable initiatives will soon be a new song for an institution whose public image has received much battering over the years.We hope that much deserved confirmation of IGP Abubakar’s appointment will spur him and his able lieutenants to harder work and greater laurels in the months ahead. *Mr. Adibemma, a social Owerri, Imo State.

commentator, wrote from

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 19

, T

HE outcome of the gubernatorial elections in Edo State, where more than 70 percent of the voters underwrote a second term in office for Governor Adams Oshiomhole, is both portentous and evocative.

It gives us pause to reflect on and reassess some of our operative assumptions, particularly with regards to what Nigeria ought to be and when.

The operative assumption, it seems to me, is that we should awake one morning and find that Nigeria is a stable, industrialised state, with honest leaders, chosen through a credible electoral process.

But the recent balloting in Edo State serves—or should serve— as a reminder that nations are not built in that manner.

Great nations evolve, rather than pop suddenly out of a vacuum, in a replication of the Casmir Effect in cosmology, where elementary particles arise from “ random fluctuations of nothingness”.

“Evolution” means to develop gradually or in stages, as opposed to instantaneous birth or radical transformation.

The latter is what we would normally think of as “magic”—like plucking a rabbit out of a hat or making an attractive woman

disappear.

Instant political gratification falls into this category. The idea that we can create, in 52 years, a stable, prosperous state, in which all our wants and needs are met-in which class, tribal, religious, economic and regional interests don’t clash--is an invocation of magic.

But if I were filling out a score card or otherwise judging the exponents of evolution and radical transformation--using logic, reason and honesty as criteria--my vote would go to the

Edo election and the Obi connection

BY OBIORAH ODENIGBO

T

HE governorship election in Edo State has come and gone with the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole, emerging the runaway winner. It was an election many Nigerians and the international community have been hailing as very free and fair.

It is being hailed particularly because the ruling party at the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, could not deploy its once fabled rigging machinery to take over the state, especially after the president, Goodluck Jonathan, personally came to campaign for the party’s candidate who ended up not seeing the back of Oshiomhole.

When compared to the experiences of the not too distant past, the Edo election and its aftermath can indeed be hailed.

Nigeria’s past elections had been riddled with complaints following day light electoral robberies orchestrated by parties at the centre against their opponents. Then it was usual to see security agencies like the police and army effectively working for the Federal Government parties.

Even when the federal parties lost at the polls they had invariably been declared winners by the Federal Government manipulated courts. A few examples will suffice here and I will draw them from the South East which has witnessed some of the most brazen electoral robberies.

In the elections that ushered in the Third Republic, precisely in 1983, in the old Anambra State, the people’s favourite and crowd puller, Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, won the gubernatorial elections clearly on the platform of the Nigerian Peoples Party, NPP, over the candidate of the National Party of Nigeria’s, NPN’s, candidate, Chukwuma Onoh. That victory would have returned Nwobodo as governor for his second term. But he had not reckoned with the then federal might which was deployed to thwart his popular

,

mandate.

He went to court and was declared winner by an Enugu High Court. The massive celebrations that followed the judgement showed as nothing else would that he won that election. Nwobodo thought he was home and dry but as earlier stated, he hadn’t reckoned with the federal might. Onoh won at both the Appeal and Supreme courts. The Supreme Court judgement rather than elicit celebrations down in the old Anambra spread a pall of mourning over the enclave but nevertheless Nwobodo was given a hero’s welcome while Onoh, the supposed victor, virtually sneaked into the state. The same was tried by the NPN in Oyo State but it cost the life of the NPN candidate, forcing the party to think twice.

The second example will be drawn from the present Anambra State. In 2003 an even more brazen robbery took place. The most popular candidate for the governorship election then was a certain Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. The PDP commanded by its field marshal, Chris Uba, brought out one Chris Ngige to square up against Obi.

Formidable rigging machinery From every indication, Ngige was no match to Obi whose campaign was such that had never been seen in these parts.

At the end of the poll, Obi swept it clean, winning in even Ngige’s domain. But the PDP rolled out its then formidable rigging machinery to crush the people’s mandate and the PDP manipulated Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Ngige winner.

Given past experiences, everybody gave up hope and when Obi said he was going to court, people virtually laughed at him.

When Ngige rolled out over 450 witnesses against Obi’s less than 50, it was clear the PDP aimed to frustrate him. It gave

,

Edo State: A case of evolution over magic(1)

The recent balloting in Edo State serves-or should serve-as a reminder that nations are not built in that manner; great nations evolve, rather than pop suddenly out of a vacuum

magician not the extremist.

I would cast my lot with the prestidigitator on two accounts.

One is that he deceives only his audiences and not himself. No matter how cunning, ingenious and well-executed his tricks are, he never loses sight of the fact that he is doing tricks: That his actions are skilled deception for which he has been trained and is well paid.

The other thing that sets the magician apart from the extremist ideologue, from the armed insurgent who believes in instant transformation through radical action (be it secession, revolution, mass killing or what-have-you) is that his audiences know they are being victimized; and they have acceded to it.

In fact, the better magicians not only refer to their feats as “tricks” or “sleight-of-hand” but in the Western world, nowadays, they also take time, after their performances, to explain certain fundamentals—without, of course, giving away secrets that would ruin their trade.

Indeed, the motto of the truly professional magician is “the hand is quicker than the eye”. By this, he means that, when a playing card is taken from behind a volunteer’s ear, or a pigeon

As Nigerians and the world continue celebrating the Edo election they should not forget the bold contributions of Peter Obi, Okwute Ndigbo and Nigeria, the man who at just 51 years of age has changed the face of Nigeria’s democracy for good

,

credence to the people’s doubts about Obi reclaiming his mandate. Besides, no sitting governor had ever been removed anywhere in Nigeria and when the governor in question belonged to the ruling party as Ngige did, it became an almost impossibility. But Obi stuck to his guns.

While the case went on, emissaries were sent to him from PDP and Ngige to abandon his case for the ‘general good’.

Such emissaries included traditional rulers and the religious but Obi told them he was fighting for posterity. ‘The fight is not about Peter Obi but for the future of our children’, Obi would always say.

The tribunal case dragged and dragged and in August 2005 it declared Obi the winner of the 2003 election. The nation stood still in shock but more a bigger, final shock was to come. Ngige, not accepting defeat, went on appeal. On March 15, 2006, the appellate court in Enugu upheld the decision of the tribunal and sent Ngige packing. Obi had finally reclaimed his popular mandate after three years.

This development marked the turning point in the country’s democratic history.

Candidates began to see that they could reclaim stolen mandates and began to

plucked from a hat, he has simply distracted you and retrieved these props from elsewhere—with very fast movements.

If only the radical revolutionist, the secessionist or the religious fanatic were as honest: Either with himself or his victims.

Alas, the demagogue who plays on our fears and prejudices, who propagates instant solutions and offers us violence and terror as quick-fixes to complex social and political problems, deceive both his people and himself.

He naturally believes in what he is doing--otherwise the prospect of losing his own life, the possibility of being caught and executed or gunned down while on a mission, would be a deterrent. But it clearly is not.

His motto, it seems, is “the mouth is quicker than the mind”!

Incitement is more efficacious than insight or reason.

But instead of pulling bunnies out of a top hat or a turban, or charming snakes, he makes hopes and dreams disappear. He leaves parents and siblings in mourning and mesmerizes lawabiding citizens with the fear and dread that terror can induce. I hope we are listening?

To be continued.

challenge such. Before long candidates like Oshiomhole, Mimiko and a host of others reaped from Obi’s effort. The result is that today Nigeria holds staggered elections. PDP also saw that rigging had become unfashionable. The judiciary became more careful. People started appreciating the rights they have and Nigeria is beginning to enjoy a better democratic image. If Obi had chickened out like many others before him, would Oshomhole and many Nigerians be celebrating the success story of the Edo election today? The answer is very obvious.

Obi had gone on to make other histories.

He became the first governor to challenge and overturn an impeachment. He paved the way for staggered elections by successfully having his tenure interpreted by the Supreme Court in 2007 after INEC stubbornly conducted an election that ushered in Andy Uba of the PDP in a very controversial election when Obi’s tenure had not ended. The apex court had ruled that Obi’s tenure commenced from the day he took the oaths of office and allegiance.

It was a ruling that changed the face of politics in Nigeria and sounded the death knell on election rigging.

Obi himself benefited from his daring moves by becoming the first governor in Anambra State to be voted in for a second tenure. PDP had by then effectively read the writing on the wall and INEC was allowed to conduct the first credible election in Nigeria in 2010. That is what others are today enjoying across the country. So as Nigerians and the world continue celebrating the Edo election they should not forget the bold contributions of Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, Okwute Ndigbo and Nigeria, the man who at just 51 years of age has changed the face of Nigeria’s democracy for good.

Remembering his contributions will certainly equip and strengthen us as a nation for the journey ahead.

•Ms. Odenigbo, a public affairs analyst, wrote fromNimo, Anambra State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

POS: Citiserve to tackle poor network of terminals

BY ELIZABETH AMIHOR

C

ITISERVE Vigeo Holding Company has introduced new modems to tackle poor network at Point of Sale, POS terminals.

The company’s CEO, Mrs. Lola Ogungbade disclosed that connectivity has been the most frequent reason for low adoption rate of the cashless Lagos plan by most business merchants.

Speaking at the launching of the New OrangeBox communication modems

which are POS terminals she said “with many years of operations, Citiserve has come across different gaps in payment value chain, gaps which affected all parties concerned, Logistics and support, settlement, merchant issues and connectivity. Of all these four, connectivity has been the most frequent reason for low adoption rate of the cashless Lagos Plan.”

The connectivity issues are Lack of optimal connectivity to some locations, unstable network connections at the same locations

and delay in transactions, she said.

Ogungbade noted that there are certain areas in Lagos such as Aspanda, Computer Village, OkeArin and Trade Fair Centre where traditional GPRS connectivity does not work efficiently for POS terminals, leading to failed transactions.

She said that it has succeeded in innovating and developing OrangeBox models that would address these issues especially that of connectivity. These Platforms are created for effi-

ciency, performance, in the delivery of products and services.

The models which are WiFi, Local Area Networking (LAN), CDMA and GPRS (Dual-SIM) would ensure that the bank, the merchant and the cardholder get full value using the POS device installed.

“Along with our simple to operate POS terminals that deliver ease and convenience through seamless transactions for products and services nationwide, we have developed a platform for bespoke applications customized for numerous programs targeted for specific businesses, sectors and state government projects,” said Ogungbade.

‘YOUWIN grant will help boost renewable energy products’

BY CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

H

ANNAH Kabir, one of the winners of the inaugural Federal Government sponsored business programme, Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria, YOUWIN said that the grant would be utilised to expand her company’s renewable energy products.

She said that this would improve access, awareness and adoption of small scale renewable and energy efficient technologies.

“The company has put together a portfolio of lighting systems, healthcare

systems and water systems. This opportunity would also mean creating more jobs and building more capacity within the renewable energy field. I have faith that the credibility of this initiative would be one to put the government in a good stead in minds of young people.”

Hannah, narrating how she won said,” I quit my job in February, unsure whether I would scale through the competition but knowing I had ‘to dedicate more time in pursuit of my passion and in building a viable company Creeds Energy.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 21

T

HE Federal Government has announced the approval of the Single Window system of clearing goods at the nation’s ports in order to facilitate international trade and investments.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the sub-regional workshop on Single Window organised by the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

“I am happy to inform the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) that the issue of a Single Window has been championed by the Ministry and its agencies in collaboration with other key agencies like the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission over the years and the Federal government of Nigeria has approved the adoption”. The minster stated.

According to the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Engr. Nebolisa Emodi, “economic development worldwide now hinges on the ability of a nation to trade effectively and efficiently in the global market.

“It is however pertinent to note that the complexity of international trade especially in the areas of procedures for documentation and compliance which differs from one country to the other often put our shippers at a disadvantage due to the intractable challenge of abysmally poor level of trade facilitation”, he said.

Senator Idris however said it was gladdening that “a tool for surmounting the hurdle of poor trade facilitation has been developed so as to overcome the complex system of data submission and regulatory control by aiming to adopt the single submission of data, thereby reducing the current approach and requirements thereby eliminating existing duplicating data use and redundant regulatory requirements”.

In addition, he said that the efficacy of this tool had been proven in many parts of the world, including some

171.50

-1.15

2,474.00

+27.00

21.22

-0.27

112.86 94.34

+0.86 +0.67

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING CFA 0.27 KRONER 25.7748 EURO 191.887 POUNDS 241.2099 RIYAL 41.2916 SDR 233.7921 FRANC 159.6166 DOLLAR 154.86 WAUA 232.6825 YEN 1.9758 RENMINBI 24.2928

0.28 25.858 192.5066 241.9887 41.4249 234.547 160.1319 155.36 233.4337 1.9821 24.3717

0.29 25.9412 193.1261 242.7675 41.5582 235.3018 160.6473 155.86 234.185 1.9885 24.4505

CBN Exchange rate as at 09/08/2012

From left: Executive Director, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ik Mbagwu; Chief Executive Officer, CitiServe, Lola Ogunbambi; Divisional Head, International Banking Group, Keystone Bank, Uchenna Okwodu and Managing Director, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Ade Shonubi at the launch of CitiServe OrangeBox Point of Sale (POS) in Lagos.

FG approves single window goods clearing system countries in the sub-region, and it is being highly recommended by international organizations like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO) for efficient conduct of our international trade.

Senator Idris regretted that the subregion had not had a fair share of international trade in the face of its generation of huge freight. He added that the region has remained dependent on foreign flags to ship its imports and exports thereby losing colossal amounts in foreign exchange to foreign carriers who arbitrarily imposed freight rates and other charges on cargoes.

This, he said, had been made more precarious as the shippers’ interest had faded away since the demise of the conference system, adding that “ what we have are indigenous organizations peculiar to each country.

He then urged member countries to adopt the Single Window system as it was capable of boosting their economic cooperation and integration.

In his welcome remark, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Captain Adamu Biu, observed that the continent had great economic potentials but the attitudes, practices, cumbersome procedures and lack of infrastructures had retarded its growth and development.

He therefore said Single Window

guaranteed efficient trading and efficient governmental controls of trade flows as well as improved governance and fewer opportunities for corruption.

He defined the Single Window thus, “A facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single entry points to fulfill all import, export and transitrelated regulatory requirements. If information is electronic, then individual data elements should be submitted once”.

The theme of the two-day workshop is “Single Window Environment in the West and Central African Subregion: Panacea for Economic Development”.

ANLCA urges FG to appoint commercial regulator for concessionaires

C

HAIRMAN of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA), Mr John Ofobike has asked the Federal Government to appoint a commercial regulator to oversee the operations of concessionaires in the maritime sector.

The chairman said this in Lagos.

The commercial regulator is responsible for ensuring that port users operated within the ambit of the law as well as the protection of the facilities. Ofobike said: “The concessionaires are business men that come here to make profit; somebody must be there to regulate them. The concessionaires are having a field day with no one to moderate their excesses; they are maximising profits at the expense of quality services.’’

According to him, they lack modern

equipment thereby making it difficult to clear cargo quickly. He said that the government owed it as a duty to protect Nigerians by appointing a commercial regulator to protect the rights of shippers and other stakeholders. The ANLCA Chairman regretted that it was not possible to achieve 48-hour cargo clearance because of the absence of a commercial regulator. He lauded the government’s good intentions in bringing the concessionaires to enhance operations at the ports but claimed that they were uncooperative.

“I am not totally against port concession; at least there is a decrease in corruption but when there is insufficient manpower on the part of the terminal operators and they want to save money and use bad equipment

then something must be done,” he said. Ofobike also urged the government to review the rates importers paid to clear cargoes.

He listed other issues which needed the government’s attention to include the lack of quality services, insufficient manpower and bad access roads to the terminals.

The chairman said that the concession of the ports has not impacted positively on his association because of delays in clearing cargoes.

“Port concession has affected my pocket because there is nonavailability of trucks to carry containers from the ports; the vehicles are scarce because there is no place to drop empty containers after the load in them has been discharged,” Ofobike said.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

PFAs are extremely conservative — Asaolu

BY PETER EGWUATU

H

EAD, Equity Research, FBN Capital, Mr. Bunmi Asaolu has said that the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are extremely conservative in their investment style, a development which has negatively impacted on the Nigerian capital market.

He stated this at the Finance Correspondence Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Round Table on the economy with the

theme “ The Economy in the first half of 2012 and outlook for second half of 2012” held in Lagos said that PFAs are supposed to be flexible in their investment style as most of them currently invest in fixed income.

According to him, “Our view at the start of the year was though yields are attractive on fixed income instruments, we do not expect this broad asset class to become more attractive given our view that monetary policy rates have peaked and

that global economic trends may potentially lead to a loosening stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).”

He stressed that the average return Year to Date (YTD) of the most liquid FGN bonds has been close to zero (underperforming equities).

“Even after adjusting for coupons, equities market is still ahead.

Yields on T-Bills have averaged 15 per cent over the last six months but have trended down from

18 per cent to 14 per cent due to growing demand.

Nigeria has become a yield story and offshore foreign investors have just found it difficult to ignore the market” he noted.

While commenting on Nigerian economy, he said, “Growth still healthy but fell below 7 per cent for the first time in at least 11 quarters in first quarter of 2012.

Slowdown in oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth through 2011 and into 2012. First quarter

2012 oil GDP growth was 2.3 per cent year on year; delays in passage of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has meant that the gap between Nigeria and other African oil producers has narrowed significantly.

Single digit range “Some weakness also in non-oil growth but still in the high single-digit range. Decline in oil production, recent weakness in oil prices and increasing demand for imports combined to create a perfect storm.”

He further bemoaned Nigeria’s appetite for imports, saying “Many of the imported goods could be produced locally, from food items such as sugar to refined petroleum products. Import bill measured in fuel subsidy

terms running out of control at the end of 2011; focus on the downstream oil (imports) sector and a 50% reduction in subsidy provided some breathing space in Q1 but the demand appears to be increasing again.

Reduction in fuel subsidies and hike in electricity tariffs in June have combined to push inflation above 14%.”

Asaolu, noted that Monetary Policy Committee (MPC’s) preference for positive real returns on FGN bonds (and a stable naira) have left the committee with no choice but to keep rates unchanged (high) and adopt more tightening measures. “These moves continue to support the T-bills market but are squeezing out the private sector” he added.

Partnership Investment shareholders okay N144.5m dividend ...Records 21% earnings growth

BY PETER EGWUATU

From left: Head, Credit Risk Management, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Joe Osojie; Currency Analyst Consultant, ForexTime Trading, West Africa, Mr. Bade-Ajidahun and Chairman, Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria,(FICAN) Babajide Komolafe during FICAN roundtable on the economy with the theme The Economy in the first hallf of 2012 and outlook for second half of 2012 held in Lagos.

Vono plans remodeling, targets increased market share

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

V

ONO products Plc said it will continue to place emphasis on remodeling its operational process for optimal growth in market share for its product.

Speaking at the company’s 51st Annual General meeting in Lagos, the chairman of the company, Mr. Bashiru Lasisi, said, “Following the recently concluded capital raising exercise, focus will be on facilities upgrade towards improving quality of the company’s products” According to him, Efforts are currently in progress to position the packaged bed as the

flagship of the company ’s product offering at affordable and competitive prices, the existing distribution channels will also be expanded with the opening of new bedding centre spread strategically across the country.

The Chairman said the company recorded a turnover of N666.5 million for the year under review compared to N437.3 million in 2010, while its loss before taxation reduced from N393.3 million in 2010 to N83.2 million in 2011.

He said that the company’s performance showed an appreciable improvement in the loss position over the previous year, the

improvement in turnover and decline in loss reflects the ongoing drive to reposition the business model and focus on high margin products.

He added that the company ’s human capital has been a major source of inspiration; the employees have d e m o n s t r a t e d u n c o m m o n determination and zeal which has ensured the right industrial atmosphere for planning, and commended the management and members of staff for exhibiting good virtue Adding that high interest expenses were a major setback that distorted management plan, he said the

indebtedness to some of the banks was refinanced in order to give the company a breathing space He added that one of the major challenges faced by the company was that of low capital base.

According to him, during the year, the company’s board took a bold step to actualize previous resolutions of shareholders to recapitalize the company.

He said the company decided to avail existing shareholders the benefits of consolidating their investment through a rights issued exercises. Despite the lull in the market, the exercise recorded a modest ‘success.

S

HAREHOLDERS of Partnership Investment Company Plc have endorsed the N144.5 million dividend payout proposed by its Board of Directors for the financial year ended December 31, 2011.

This represents an increase of 37.10 per cent over N105.4 million declared in the corresponding period of 2011.

The shareholders at the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday in Lagos commended the Board for the consistent dividend payout even in difficult operating environment.

Speaking at the AGM, Mr. Godwin Anono, Chairman, Nigeria P r o f e s s i o n a l S h a r e h o l d e r s Association (NPSA), MR. Godwin Anono, who spoke the minds of shareholders present at the meeting, commended the company for the performance during the period under review.

According to him, “We are happy for the little dividend being declared

by our company. The company has been consistent with payout dividend. So this is one of the things that shareholders are looking for.

We understand the difficult terrain the company operated upon and it is better than most blue chips that are not paying dividend or declaring bonus. We are glad with the 5 kobo per share and hope they pay bigger amount next year.”

Meanwhile, despite 6.5 per cent drop in profit after tax from N294.4 million to N275.2 million, the company ’s total asset rose by 22.2 per cent from N9.24 billion to N11.29 billion.

A cursory look at the company ’s cash flow shows robust performance in the manner it improved in the suitable areas. The significant rise of over 40 per cent in working capital from N1.66 billion to N2.33 billion is indication of efficiency in generating cash from its business activities.

This is particularly commendable given the instability of the financial market during the financial year.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—23

DISCOURSE

Capital market probe: How the honourables misfired

BY OKHAI OLUROTIMI

I

N the last few days, one has made a strenuous but futile effort to attach a serious meaning to the report of the House of Representative committee on the “near collapse” of the nation’s capital market. My efforts have been futile because this damning report of the committee which was set up by the House of Representatives to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the crash of Nigeria’s capital market has not come out with any rational findings.

Rather it smacks of vendetta, shadow chasing and unguarded use of dirty words to condemn the nation’s capital market operators and its regulators over the actions taken by them between 2009 and Arunma Oteh, SEC DG 2011 in their efforts to reform the banking industry.

The report as presented by the Spring Bank PLC and Bank PHB committee clearly shows that its did not conform to statutory provimembers were either not familiar sions related thereto were based with the issues which they were on forgery, fraudulent misrepresupposed to investigate or too sentations and abuse of office by myopic and self centered to see the Managing Directors of NDIC anything good in what the finan- (Umaru Ibrahim), the CBN Govcial regulators did in protecting ernor, (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi),the the interest of the depositors of the Managing Director of AMCON weak banks especially the nation- (Mustafa Chike-Obi), Bello alization of Afribank PLC, Spring Mahmud (Corporate Affairs ComBank PLC and Bank mission).”

PHB. When it beThe committee also came obvious to the stressed that it was of regulatory authorities the view that “due prothat these three cess were not followed banks were not likely One fact and that investors into meet the deadline terests were not conwhich the given to recapitalize sidered in nationalizon or before Septem- committee ing these banks. Pubber 30, 2011, the Cen- members lic officers charged tral Bank of Nigeria, must realize is with the responsibil(CBN) on august 5, ity of protecting inves2011 had to apply an that if the tors and depositors intervention mecha- CBN and the did not act in good nism to rescue three NDIC had not faith…….” of the failing banks. come together From the above statement, it is so obto rescue Bridge bank vious that the commitsome of the option tee members have recapitalized very limited underAfter serious con- banks with standing of the operasideration of the bad tions of the capital standing of the funds, a lot of market and the reabanks, the CBN and them would sons why the three the NDIC applied the have been banks had to lose bridge bank option to dead today their operating liprotect the interest of censes. It would be depositors rather and billion of recalled that before the than shareholders, depositors’ CBN action, the most of who were re- funds would nation’s financial secsponsible for the coltor was in turmoil with have gone lapse of their banks. most banks reeling in This bridge bank op- down the all kinds of acts of cortion led to the acqui- drain ruption ranging from sition of assets and the manipulation of assumption of liabilistock prices and bank ties of Afribank PLC, balance sheets, inBank PHB and Spring Bank by sider lending which ran to billions the bridge banks established by the if not trillions of naira and many NDIC: Mainstreet Bank, Keystone other sharp practices which threatBank and Enterprise Bank, re- ened the existence of our banks to spectively. The action of the regu- their foundations. lators instead of being commended A combination of all these evils was roundly condemned by the created a loss of confidence in the committee in its report. banking system and this shot up According to the report, “The the interbank interest rates which nationalization of Afribank PLC, prompted the CBN to come to the C M Y K

Herman Hembe, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market

rescue of eight of the banks through the provision of financial support in August 2009 while three of them were resolved through the bridge bank mechanism nationalized according to the enabling act which established the NDIC. The only second and easier option for the CBN would have been for it to revoke the licenses of the dying banks and allow the NDIC to liquidate them out rightly but CBN did not adopt this option because of its dire consequences on depositors.

One fact which the committee members must realize is that if the CBN and the NDIC had not come together to rescue some of the recapitalized banks with funds, a lot of them would have been dead today and billion of depositors’ funds would have gone down the drain. The decision of both the CBN and NDIC to rescue and nationalize the three banks was the most cost effective and sensible option for the nation’s financial sector considering their sizes and their very high number of employees.

Protecting depositors' funds Apart from protecting depositors funds, the establishment of the three bridge banks by the NDIC have saved thousands of jobs that would have been lost if the option of liquidating the banks was adopted by the NDIC. It has also ensured the continuity of banking operation through a very smooth transition of the troubled banks to the bridged banks.

These apart, the three bridged banks had attractive franchise and if their assets were allowed to deteriorate, it would have been very difficult to get investors to buy them. The bridge banking system adopted by the NDIC also provided a good platform for the three banks to meet their obligations to their depositors without any stress.

Another jaundiced part of this dishonourable report from the House of Representatives committee on the near collapse of the capital market is its damning and absolutely reckless comment on the processes which led to the nationalization of the three banks. The Ad-hoc committee pointed out that the CBN, NDIC and AMCON did not wait till the September 30, 2011 given to the banks to recapitalize.

Appearance of fraud The Committee said in its report: “Generally, the roles of NDIC, CBN, AMCON, CAC, and the act of omission by SEC in all these are quite condemnable. There is no doubt that these nationalized banks were contrived in misrepresentations of monumental proportion. The nationalization of these banks is built on forgeries, with presentation and appearance of fraud and corruption. It makes a mockery of corporate governance lacking in due diligence, ethics, professionalism, integrity and legal compliance.”

It is pertinent for the Legislators to be educated that it would have been criminal for the CBN, NDIC and AMCON to wait till September 30, 2011 before deciding whether to save the troubled banks or liquidate them.

The truth is that the NDIC/ CBN could not afford to wait for the September 30 deadline because there was a continuous deterioration in the financial conditions of the banks. Their shareholders funds were negative and they were living on life support system of the CBN. Most importantly, they were not able to attract new credible investors that would enable them meet the September 30, 2022 deadline set by the CBN. The regulatory authorities could not fold their arms and watch helplessly while depositors, funds were being dissipated.

The Ad-hoc committee mem-

bers should also be told that the NDIC and CBN consulted widely before the adoption of the bridge bank mechanism. Consultations were also held with the Minister of Finance, the Attorney-general of the federation and in fact, the President before the action was embarked upon. Insider sources revealed that other stakeholders and regulators involved in consultations include the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The Board of NDIC reportedly deliberated on the matter and gave its approval for the corporation to embark on the regulatory intervention of establishment of the bridge banks in compliance with section 39(i) of the NDIC act of 2006.

T

hus, it is a misconception and a misrepresentation of facts for the committee to conclude that the process of nationalizing the three banks were fraught with irregularities and fraud. Instead, the House Committee should have commended the NDIC and CBN for acting promptly to safeguard the capital market by ensuring that depositors and investors interest are protected while thousands of jobs that would have been lost, if the three banks had been liquidated, were saved. The attack on the regulatory agencies was therefore absolutely unnecessary and a misfired salvo.

The committee also condemned the establishment of shelf companies namely: Shokun Chukin Limited, Klinki Osaka Custodian Limited and Michi Noku Resolution Limited which later transformed to the three bridge banks that took over the failing banks’ assets and liabilities but industry watchers believe that this was done to ensure utmost secrecy and confidentiality in order to safeguard the assets of the three affected failing banks.

Olurotimi, an analyst, writes from Lagos.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Oyo state seeks IITA’s support on crops promotion

Niger consolidates on ‘Irrigation for Life’ project

O

•launches 100 tractors for mechanized farming

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

A

FTER the landmark flag off of the Nigeria-Israeli Joint Agricultural Project, tagged “Irrigation is Life” in Lapai Gwari village, near Minna in Niger state recently, the Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has brought in over 100 tractors to boost food production not only in the state mechanized farming.

The “Irrigation is Life” project was muted in July last year under the auspices of the Israeli Agricultural Humanitarian project which is aimed at promoting dry season farming in the state.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Lapai Gwari Village few kilometers from Minna the state capital, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Moshe Ram called on the Federal government on the urgent need to go back to Agriculture as a way out for a permanent sustenance of the economy not only for the country but even for the people of the country as individuals.

Source of the economy He noted that oil which is the main source of the economy of the country today can dry up in future adding that agriculture will remain more permanent as the source of the economy and livelihood for the people.

According to him, “Oil is important; very important to the country but it will dry up one day; Agriculture will be a source of livelihood to the people of Nigeria and this is why Niger state which is agriculturally endeared should lead in this aspect.”

He said to succeed in the sector, every step should be taken to discourage the urban drift of the youth from the rural areas to the urban cities adding that this could be done by training and encouraging the youth on the need for them to go back to farming.

Mr. Ram pointed out that the project is part of an agreement between the two countriesIsrael and Nigeria for accelerated development especially in agriculture which Israel is noted for. The project is sited on a 2.5 hectre land in Lapai

Gwari Village and it has a modern drip irrigation farming including green Houses where seedlings such as water melon, tomatoes and pepper would grow.

Experts on agriculture from Israel have also arrived the state to transfer their experience and expertise on agriculture for the actualization of the project.

Niger state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu in his remarks thanked the Israeli government for its fine gesture which he said will not only boost food production in the country but also reduce the level of poverty across the country.

He noted that if the country as a whole had been paying proper attention to agriculture, “There wouldn’t have been the problem of beggars, there wouldn’t have been the syndrome of the Almajiris which is just being tackled and the country would have been one of the richest in the world.”

The governor pointed out that as at today, the state has 682,000 hectrage waiting to be cultivated adding that if this is done, the state will not only be feeding Nigeria but also exporting food

From right: Governor Aliyu and Ambassador Ram planting the first set of seedlings, during the flagging off of the drip irrigation project

crops to other countries.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized on the need for the government at all levels to take farming especially Irrigation farming more seriously in order to move the country forward in all spheres of life.

Still in the same agricultural pursuit, the state recently launched 100 tractors and their implements to further boost food production in the state through mechanized farming.

The total cost of the tractors and their implements are put at over N660m.. Impressed by the quick delivery of the tractors and the

positive response farmers and people of the state who have grazed the occasion exibited, the governor authorized the state commissioner of agriculture and rural development, Alhaji Mohammed Kwotu Abdullahi to place order for additional 50 tractors which should be delivered before the end of this year.

He said the additional tractors on arrival will be distributed to the rice producing areas of the state to further boost rice production and thus maintaining its lead as the highest rice producer in the country.

We must change our agric curriculum—Don

BY EBELE ORAKPO

A

PROFESSOR ofAgricultural Extension in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has called for a drastic change in the nation’s universities. In an exclusive chat with Vanguard in his office, Prof. Michael Madukwe said what is being taught in agriculture in the universities is no longer relevant to the society.

He said: if we want to revamp agriculture in the universities, one of the things we need to do will be to treat agriculture the way medicine has been treated. If you look at medicine in the university system, you have faculty of medicine, you have college of medicine.

"They provide facilities for training medical doctors.” He regretted that of all universities in Nigeria offering agriculture, none has a standard farm where students can be trained and equipped to go and establish their own farms.

“How do you train someone without a model farm and you expect him to go and perform magic outside? That is why you find that our agriculture graduates still look for white collar jobs, it’s an aberration.

Our products are expected to leave here and create jobs,” he said.

He, however, called on the Minister of Agriculture to lay a minimum farm standard for training agriculturists in the universities saying: “You don’t give what you don’t have.

University system If you were not taught to manage 50,000 broilers in school, how do you go out and manage that? My suggestion is that teaching farms should be established within the university system like teaching hospitals, and provides them money.

The teaching farm will be so production-oriented that

our students will use that as a laboratory to train themselves as they leave.

“In a university of this size, we should be producing at least 5,000 birds a week at the minimum with facility for processing, freezing and marketing. The same thing goes for cattle and other livestock and for crops,” he said.

Madukwe noted that once the students are not properly trained, “everything you are going to do outside will just be the same - talk-shop, you keep talking and talking.”

He noted that what drives agriculture is the structure, citing the US as an example where agricultural extension drives agriculture, “what they call the land grant system.

They made a law establishing how agricultural system will be operated, who will come in, who will do the teaching, who will do the research, who will do the funding, etc. That act was an act of parliament.

There is no such act in this country today.”

YO state government is seeking the support of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in promoting cassava, maize and yam, as the state embarks on a transformation program to make these crops catalysts of development.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bimbo Kolade, made the request while receiving IITA’s Deputy Director General of Partnerships and Capacity Building, Dr Kenton Dashiell, in his office.

Bimbo Kolade said “For us, as a state, we have identified cassava, yam, maize, cocoa, oil palm, horticultural crops, and cashew as crops that will drive the agricultural transformation of the state.”

“In the next 4–5 years, we want people to identify Oyo state with these crops. We believe that with IITA, we should be the first in cassava production,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Isaac Adeduntan, lauded efforts by researchers at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in successfully producing bread with 40 percent cassava flour that has similar eating qualities as 100% wheat flour bread.

Cassava farmers The innovation, if adopted, will help Nigeria—Africa’s largest oil producer—to save about $252 million annually, and improve the livelihoods of cassava farmers in the country.

“We would like to commend IITA for the inclusion of high quality cassava flour in bread.

This is a great breakthrough,” the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Isaac Adeduntan.”

In his response, Dr Dashiell said the milestone achieved in the use of composite flour in bread was a collaborative effort between IITA and partners.

He said that the aim of the visit was to identify and develop action points that both IITA and the state government would pursue to realize the vision of agricultural transformation.

To demonstrate the Institute’s commitment, Dr Dashiell promised that IITA would support the state with improved cassava planting materials on a 2-hectare piece of land.

He thanked the state government for the construction of the Ajibode road which eases the movement of IITA staff and farmers in the area.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST10, 2012 — 25

Before the 202020 target becomes a mirage OKO Haram has now become a household name in the country. The name already depicts something negative. In short, it is synonymous with holocaust. But what still remains a puzzle to me is that this group that has been terrorizing the people in the north, especially Christian worshippers, does not come from a coven. They are human beings like you and me. They live in houses and go the same market with us, but up to this moment, Government appears to be incapacitated on how to fish them out from their hideout and bring them to book.

The seemingly nonchalant attitude of our security forces to stop the nefarious activities of this heartless Islamic group would, unless they change, render our country, especially the northern part unfit for human habitation.

Presently our youth Corp members have refused to be posted to that deathtrap zone.

Christian worshippers have stopped going to church to worship their God. A very piti-

Oil subsidy probe

I

T'S quite unfortunate that the check and balance of the legislative arm of govt have been bought over by corruption at the expense of the ordinary Nigerians. Where is the hope of the ordinary Nigerians in the Nigeria polity?

It is high time that the Nigeria masses took the war against corruption to the next level by taking over the functions of the EFCC and ICPC for rapid and pragmatic transformation and development of our country as their effort over the years have not yielded any visiblel result.

Obire 08079018001

Politicians for psychiatric examination

I strongly agree with the suggestion that our politicians go for psychiatric examination and certified mentally sane before they are allowed to contest in any election.

Anonymous writes in via email

New electricity tariff

The Federal government should have provided meters to all, generated and distributed adequate electricity before raising tariff. Why intro-

any external attackers?

No doubt, there may be prominent people in this country that are financing this blood hungry group but nobody is above the law as there should be no sacred gods. As government has said that they know the people behind this wanton destruction of lives and property, they should not hesitate to fish them out and make them face the music.

If this chaotic situation continues unabated, we need no prophet to tell us what the negative consequences would be

try would collapse completely and the country would be reduced to a beggar nation. It is high time we started being proactive instead of reactive.

We cannot continue to be at the receiving end all the time. If the Government cannot quell internal crisis, how can it face

duce new electricity tariff when there is no power supply in the country?.

Ugonwanne 08064091428

Clamp down on illegal bunkering

The clamp down on illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta

,

We should make hay while the sun shines, otherwise the aim and struggle to meet the 202020 target would continue to be a mirage.

Ejituru Chidinma Ekea Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.

T

HE allocation of a sizeable number of battle-ready soldiers to expatriate staff and contactors of the Reynold Construction Company, RCC, Edo state is a national shame. They blare sirens for them and disobey traffic lights that even the dreaded “Oshiomole Traffic Police’ do not dare to stop them.

We all saw what happened to the Army Colonel when Governor Fashola recently arrested him for traffic offences. Nobody is above the law, citizen or foreigner.

Many questions come to mind. Which of our Governors are escorted by the Nigerian Army? Which Nigerian, apart from the President and high ranking military officers is given such a protection in

them to continue to play politics with the lives of our corp members. Posting them to areas like Yobe, Maiduguri, Kano would compromise their fundamental rights to safety.

Joshua 08055781415

Reduction in import duties and smuggling

President Jonathan’s performance

The Federal government should reduce import duties so that that the smugglers will have no reason to smuggle and Customs officials will have no reasons and licence

I disagree with Sule Lamido on Gen Buhari. Your Excellency, Buhari is still well respected and one of our great national leaders despite his comment on 2015 general elections. Buhari is among the few people Nigerians are desperately in need of. Gen Buhari was toppled by men of evil because of his credibility and love for Nigeria

,

is a do or die affairs by those who are awarded surveillance contracts jobs on pipeline protection. And the Joint Task Force which the FG has expended billions of naira to curb this oil theft, a crime all of them were part of, only to turn around to be the good guys is not worth the salt. It is an insult to Nigerians that with all the securities deployed all over the creeks, gunboats stationed at the en-

Stop sirens and military escorts for Edo contractors

trance of our sea, these stolen products still find their ways.

The main occupation of these indigenes was fishing. and their local fishing method has become outdated Solo Aloba 07052624455

,

B

able situation indeed! Investors, both local and foreign have also begun to withdraw their investments to non-violent areas. There has been a mass exodus of people, especially the southerners. Most of the people are Igbos who are known for trading; thereby bringing commercial activities in these northern states to a standstill.

If this chaotic situation continues unabated, we need no Prophet to tell us what the negative consequences would be. The economy of this coun-

,

Dear sir,

to collect bribe.

Romanus 08057123287

Deployment of corps members to northern states

The deployment of NYSC members to violence prone area in the northern states is satanic and wicked. The life of corps members who were posted to the north must be protected . We can not allow

Mr President's administration is not serious in the fight against corruption at all. Both the EFCC and ICPC are just deceiving Nigerians. What about the high profile corruption cases of Saminu Turaki, Orji Kalu, Dr Abba Sayyadi Rumah, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, Alao Akala, Gbenga Daniel, Bafarawa and other alleged corrupt public office holders( treasury looters) that have cases to answer. Nigerians are concerned.

Alhaji Usman Hassanu 07057789779

Past military regimes

The performance of past military regimes especially that of

and outside this country?

Why do they deserve such exclusive security? Where is our national pride? Are we so cheap? If it is for the fear of insecurity, why not assign policemen to them? Are they paying so much to the national treasury? These are people who have come to this country to make their money and render services that can also be provided by Nigerians. The jobs they do here are practically done by Nigerians.

What makes them more special than Nigerians? We die in hundreds and buried in mass graves in our country bereft of adequate security, yet a few fleecing foreigners are treated like demi-gods.

They are protected on the street and in their places of residence to defy our laws.

The last Inspector General of Police attempted to restrict the use of sirens, but today foreigners and governorship aspirants have turned it into a child’s play. This is a clear manifestation of colonial mentality and the worship of mere human skin. Maybe the Nigerians that work with them should be given such services also to complete the national mockery! We send peacekeepers in thousands

Frederick Omoyoma Odorige , Benin City

IBB and Abacha is what is affecting us now . These two dictators allegedly mismanaged / misappropriated our resources , they institutionalized corruption to the highest extent. We should blame IBB and Abacha for the terrible situation Nigerians find themselves today, most especially northerners.

Shehu Mani 08081981846

2015 and Sule Lamido’s comment on Buhari

I disagree with Sule Lamido on Gen Buhari. Your Excellency, Buhari is still well respected and one of our great national leaders despite his comment on 2015 general elections. Buhari is among the few people Nigerians are desperately in need of. Gen Buhari was toppled by men of evil because of his credibility and love for Nigeria.

Mrs. Farida Shu’aibu 08175782081

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.A sword is useless in the hand of a coward.

2. Music will not be appreciated if the listener is deaf.

Oladele Akinrinmade(08058154895), Abiye Maternity Hospital ,Ganmo, P.O.Box4906,Ilorin, Kwara Delta Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

I can’t travel without my cap, walking stick —Amachree CHIEF Mike Amachree, a foremost tourism practitioner and elder statesman, became a professional in tourism in 1973 when he established Buguma Club in his hometown. The social club later moved to Port Harcourt where he ventured into hospitality business since 1976 till today.

He was the first operator of the old Port Harcourt Tourist Beach in Rivers State and founding father of the Tourism Associations in Nigeria In this chat on his travel experience with JIMOH BABATUNDE, the holder of many chieftaincy titles and initiator of many tourism projects across the country disclosed that he can not travel out of Nigeria without his traditional paraphernalia.

Here is an excerpt:

Shere Hills, Jos: One of the tourist attractions in Plateau state

O

N his traveling I travel a lot as a travel practitioner to different part of the world and in the country, but of recent, I have not been traveling because as a kalabiri chief I have a lot to do in the village.

But, between Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, I do a lot of travelling because my businesses span these three cities. I have hotels in these cities.

On the cities he likes visiting I mostly travel to San Francisco because my sister lives there, apart from that it is a hilly city, decent and it used to be the financial headquarters of America. I do go there to learn about managing tourism business as a tourist city too.

There is a place they call fisher man’s wharf. That place used to attract me, in that place if you start from the centre; you can go with cable car.

Mode of daily transportation Cable cars are a traditional mode of daily transportation for San Franciscans, and an eagerly sought adventure for every visitor. Since 1964, the cable car has been designated by the National Park Service as a “national landmark”.

I do enjoy the cable car from one point to another. When you reach the water side, there are boats that take you to the place where Americans used to keep prisoners, called Alcatraz island.

Chief Mike Amachree

In Nigeria, I used to like travelling to Jos, but in recent time, the crisis there has turned away many tourists like me. The weather in Jos is just like that of sans Francisco as well as being a hilly city.

Nature has richly endowed Plateau State with scenic beauty. Mostly rocky and treeless, the state contains chains of hills and many interesting rock formations.

The landscape ranges from bare rocks to man-made.

On things he takes along on travelling Whatever I use as a kalabari chief is a must for me when I am travelling, I must go with my cap, my walking stick.

There was a day I travelled to one of these American cities

with my walking stick in a bus and the bus driver shouted that they should stand up for a disable person. So, a young lady stood up for me, I told her that I am not disable, but a chief in my country.

So, my walking stick and cap are two items, I will not travel without.

On his choice of hotel For me, cleanliness is the hallmark; I am not swayed by the star or name, but any place that is clean both within and outside.

The toilets must be clean and the hotel close to the locals of that destination I am visiting as well as accessibility to transportation.

On his best hotel In Cancun in Mexico, there

was this hotel, I stayed that I liked very well On the choice of airline I will vote for the German carrier any day any time. The reason is that no country hates the Germans and their aircrafts are well maintained On where he wants to visit again Bahamas and where they buried king Jaja in Caribbean.

Orlando Florida On personalities he has met on board and wants to meet again Raymond Dokpesi. He is someone I have travelled with and will wan to do so again.

On how to promote domestic travel In water, we should have bigger boat with life jackets and minimized passengers.

On the road, the roads have to be maintained while we need good and new aircrafts to fly the airspace.

BA rolls out summer promo

B

RITISH Airways has announced special price discounts for Nigerian customers traveling to the United Kingdom and New York in its awardwinning Club World and newly refurbished First Class cabins.

The specials which are available from both Abuja and Lagos started last week and will end next week for outbound travel before 1 September.

Country Manager, British Airways/Iberia, Nigeria, Mr. Kola Olayinka, urged customers to book soon as the fares are extremely competitive and likely to be snapped up fast.

As part of its £bn investment in new aircraft, technology and services, British Airways has invested £million in its new First Cabin.

The special fares are exclusive of all taxes, fees, charges and surcharges and subject to availability.

The discounted fares, he said, still come with all the benefits of flying with a full-service carrier.

“We have invested heavily in our in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which now features hundreds of hours of popular movies and TV programmes, audio programming and interactive games, all available via touch screen and handheld controller. The system also features unique interfaces for portable media devices, enabling passengers to watch their own movies and photos on the IFE screen,” he said.

In addition, he said, British Airways has invested £100 million in its new First and other cabins, and further enhanced its catering for customers onboard, with Tuck boxes for World Traveller, Club World meals for World Traveller Plus and Laurent- Perrier Grand Siècle in First.

Olayinka said the offer has once again underscored the fact that the customer is always at the heart British Airways business.

Olympics: Chinese outspend other tourists

W

ITH their Olympic team currently topping the medal charts at the London 2012 Olympics, Chinese tourists are topping a different chart, outspending all other international tourists visiting the British capital during the games.

According to British tourism officials, Chinese tourists have spent an average of £203.04 (US$316.36) per purchase since the Olympics opening

ceremonies, beating spending by the second-most-profligate shoppers — those from the UAE — by 10 percent.

As Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to Britain, recently said, London has seen an influx of tourists from the Greater China region, with around 250,000 from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan making their way to the Olympic games.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—27

MTN, Patrick Speech demystify Autism Spectrum Disorder

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

HEN Agbolade Patrick Akande was born on March 17, 1998, he was like any other healthy and normal baby.

He grew well and fast until matters took a dramatic turn when he turned 18 months. His parents noticed a reduction in his activities and he lost ability to utter he few words he had learned such as “mama”, “dada”.

It was a confused and worried Mrs. Dotun Akande who took her son to a specialist where he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “The day Agbolade was diagnosed with ASD, I was devastated,” said the mother. “I felt like the world had come crashing down on me and my child’s future evaporated right before my eyes. I was like someone in a dark tunnel calling out for help but no one could hear me”.

Fear and anxiety galvanised Akande to learn more about the disorder. She gathered as much information as she could possibly get on the disorder and its management, including self-help tools, and information on special schools for autistic children.

Akande said in the process, she realised, quite disappointingly,

that doctors, nurses and most medical consultants had little or no information on the disorder and its treatment, and so could not help her.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms used for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours.

But autistic children are usually quite intelligent and most of them when given appropriate therapy and support display excellent skills in music, math and art.Till date, research has still not shown any known and definite cause of autism.

Correction of disorder According to the Nigerian Autistic Society, one in every 150 children born in Nigeria is prone to autism and thus requires special care Tackled at an early stage, the disorder can be corrected before adulthood. Aside from the lack of proper care and attention, the greatest challenge faced by autistic children is the

Members of MTN Y’ellow Care team with members of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, during the 21 Days of Y’ello Care project. inability of parents to understand that it is not a death sentence for the children.

Sharing her experience with staff of MTN Nigeria, who paid a visit to the Centre as part of the activities of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme, an annual staff volunteerism scheme that takes place simultaneously in all 21 operating units of the MTN Group in Africa and the Middle East, Akande stated: “I had to resign my job as a banker so as to give Agbolade all the attention required. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t find any suitable school to enrol him. In the end, it was the experience of having an autistic child that led to establishment of the Patrick Speech and Language Centre (PSLC) in 2006.”

Agbolade was the first official student of the school and six years after its establishment, the

Centre has graduated 30 autistic children into regular schools, including Agbolade who is today 14 years old and doing well.

She urged medical personnel and government to create massive public awareness, as well as provide therapy rehabilitation for autistic children.

“We are really grateful to MTN and indeed all the other organizations that have supported this Centre since its inception and we call on other private organizations to throw their weight behind these children to give them a better future.”

While the government should be commended for passing the disability bill, it still has a lot to do in the area of creating awareness for this disorder. Above all, the government should establish schools for autistic and other special need children, equip them with modern tools

and train the doctors and care givers in order to give hope to the families of autistic children”.

Mr. Aderemi Durojaiye, Manager of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care project, argued that every child is entitled to education, adding that MTN’s appreciation of the importance of education was the principal reason the theme of this year’s Y’ello care programme was “Investing in Education For All”.

“We are indeed happy to be at the Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre to give our own support” said the Chief Executive Officer, MTN, represented by the GM, Commercial Legal, Mrs. Oghenerhume Rotimi.

The Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre currently has 45 students having graduated 30.

The centre has achieved outstanding results, turning the lives of many students around for the better.

Chike Okoli Foundation raises alarm over childhood obesity

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

A

S the month – long GrassRoot Car diovascular Health, GRCH, programme of the Chike Okoli Foundation ended last week, experts have raised alarm over increasing incidences of childhood obesity in the country, blaming it on inactivity among the Nigerian children.

They little or nothing is being done to check the trend.

A medical expert from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Dr. Oluchi Okafor who spoke during the school health programme organised by Chike Okoli Foundation in one of the 10 selected schools under the GRCH project, Mainland Senior High School Fadeyi, noted the role of parents to seriously stem down the surge.

Lamenting the long hours that children spend on social media, Okafor who is also a Public Health Physician stressed the need for parents to structure regular exercise into the time of the children. “Parents should not allow their children to always have their way. Parents should begin to stop this trend.”

She further posited that regular health check was key to assessing cardiovascular risk of an individual even as she added that healthy life style would prevent cardiovascular diseases.

In her lecture entitled; “Cardiovascular Disease: Your Health and You”, Okafor who spoke extensively on the need for a healthy lifestyle explained the ABCs of

healthy living saying; “There is need for people to keep their weight down, know their blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, eat less salt, but more vegetables and fruits, exercise regularly and stop smoking.

Corroborating her views, Project Coordinator of Chike Okoli Foundation, Ms. Beauty Alfred, explained that GRCH was an enlightenment programme that teaches a healthier lifestyle and ways to ensure a health heart and an active life.

Alfred who noted that the programme had been taken to 10 schools in Lagos State

listed the schools to include; Birrel High School, Dolphin Senior High School, Ayetoro Senior Grammar School, Girls Senior Academy, Ebute Elefin Senior High School, King Ado Senior High School, Lagos City Senior College, Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, Eko Akete Senior Grammar School and Mainland Senior High School.

In an assessment, the Project Coordinator expressed satisfaction that both teachers and students have expressed appreciation that lectures were educative,as

Cross section of students performing some exercises during the just-concluded Chike Okoli Foundation’s School Health Programme in Lagos.

they have been enlightened on how to live a healthier lifestyle as well as reduce to the barest minimum risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Stating that the exercise was the first in series, she said to evaluate and monitor the impact of the programme, a debate will hold soon on causes and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in all the 10 schools visited.

In a chat, Mrs. Ndubusi Edith Ada Eze, Acting Vice Principal, Academics, Mainland Senior High School, Fadeyi, said the programme had been able to create awareness on heart diseases which they do not know before now. “It has also enabled us especially the students to know what to eat and what not to eat because a lot of the students always snack on soft drinks, biscuits and gala etc but today, it has been made known to them that such soft drinks are good but not to be taken very often.”

For Mrs. Adediran Folashade, from the State Ministry of Education, District 1V, Sabo Yabo, it has exposed the students to the dangers of unhealthy life styles.

One of the students, Olonwufunmi Toyosi, an SSS1A student, promised to take the instructions back home and also to apply in her daily routine. Highpoint of the programme is free screening for diabetes, blood pressure, weight and other heart checks and session of aerobic exercise. overweight, developing weak bones, and developing diabetes. It is also a major determinant of individual’s overall health.

28 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—29

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 31

C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 33

Blade runner gets another shot at medal

D

ouble-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius will get a shot at an Olympic medal after all, even after his South African team failed to finish

Makhlouf singing proud after winning Algeria’s first gold A

lgeria’s Taoufik Makhlouf, who won men’s 1500m final, was not able to contain his tears and emotion, when the national anthem resounded in London Olympic stadium, Wednesday night. The Algerian Olympic champion made up 70,000 spectators at London Olympic stadium after he received his gold medal from the hands of another great Olympic champion, Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, and looked so proud when he heard the first notes of Algeria’s national anthem.

Proud of his achievement, happy to have brought joy and jubilation to the Algerian people, the new Olympic champion in men’s 1500m could not even realize what he had done.

“It’s a historical day in my career; it’s amazing what just happened to me, I win the first Algerian gold medal of London Olympics, which I dedicate to the Algerian people to mark the 50th anniversary of independence,” he said at the end of the race.

Twenty four hours after his achievement, Makhloufi is still on a cloud, not yet measuring the scope of his success. “Sincerely, I don’t yet realize that I am an Olympic champion, I still need more time to figure it out,” he said.

“Everything has changed in my life in the space of a few hours,” he stressed,

which caused him to be temporarily excluded from the Olympic games before being reinstated by the International Association of A t h l e t i c s Federations (IAAF), to take part in men’s 1500m final.

“It did not disturb me at all and here’s the proof: I am an Olympic c h a m p i o n .

Anything that could be said will not interest me,” he said calmly in response to some f o r e i g n commentators. explaining how hard it was from him “to close his eyes” after the race.

“I stayed awake all night, I could not sleep. It was exciting and impressive. I fell asleep at 7:00 am and wake two hours later,” he added all excited to receive the gold medal in the evening.

The Algerian champion reaffirmed his proud to have managed such performance at a time when some “malicious” foreign media were trying to tarnish this wonderful victory after gave up the men’s 800m final,

N596m African village collapses

T

he Africa Village, aimed at showcasing the continent’s culture during the London Olympics as well as helping promote a potential bid to host the 2024 Games, has closed early.

The village in Kensington Gardens, a plush part of London near the Royal Albert Hall, was officially opened in a ceremony attended by Britain’s Olympics minister Hugh Robertson last Saturday.

“Sadly, due to logistical problems Africa Village has had to close early,” London and Partners, the city’s official promotional body, said in a statement on Thursday.

It had worked with ANOCA - the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa - to set up the village, which cost 2.4 million pounds (about N596m).

A message on the village’s website said: “Sorry. This page is temporarily closed until further notice.”

The village occupied a prime spot in central London, next to the Russian tent promoting the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

It was set up to host athletes and visitors during the Games and was the first time the African national Olympic Committees had opened a hospitality house together.

Stands promoted the cultural, artistic and sporting heritage of African nations, with modern and traditional music, fashion, dancing and photographic exhibitions.

However, it began to run into financial difficulties when only 15 of the 40 expected nations turned up, a source close to organisers said.

the heats of the 4x400 relay.

A jury of appeal said South Africa “had been severely damaged” in a collision between Ofentse Mogawane and a Kenyan runner who cut across him too soon in the second section of Thursday’s morning heat. The jury of appeal decided to give the extra ninth lane to South Africa - silver medalists at the last world championships - for Friday’s final.

On a hectic morning, it was the second reversal of fortunes for the South African.

First, the South African team never made it to the third section of the 4x400-meter relay in the opening heat after Mogawane crashed and dislocated his shoulder, leaving Pistorius waiting in the changeover zone for a baton that never came.

When he realized the race was lost, Pistorius raised his hands to his head, and waved his arms down in frustration.

“It’s not the place you want something like this to happen,” Pistorius said.

The judges later ruled that Kenya’s Vincent Kiilu had cut across Mogawane, causing the collision. South Africa launched an appeal to get reinstated, but Pistorius at first held out little hope of being added to the final because the team failed to finish the race.

“Even a protest isn’t any consolation,” he said.

Then came the surprising ruling.

“The Jury of Appeal met and agreed to advance the South African team to the final, even though they did not finish the race, considering that they had been

Blakes’ N79m watch stirs IOC J

amaican sprinter Yohan Blake wore a custom $500,000 watch in the 100m final, and this has stirred up the anger of the international Olympics Committee (IOC) The watch, is a customized sports watch in the green and yellow colorway of the Jamaican flag. Officially, the timepiece is called a Richard Mille Tourbillion watch, and the one-of-a-kind piece of functional jewelry was designed specifically for Blake to wear at the Games.

Blake wore the watch during

the semifinals and finals of the 100-meter dash, an event in which he finished second, behind countryman and world-record holder Usain Bolt.

Yet that has infuriated IOC officials, who have phenomenally strict regulations about what athletes are allowed to wear while competing at the

London 2012 full of drug cheats — BALCO chief ictor Conte, owner of the Scientists have been V now-defunct BALCO lab working around the clock at a has laughed off efforts of the specially equipped antiInternational Olympics Committee to weed out drugs cheats from the Games.

“It’s basically propaganda to come out and say this is the most expensively-tested Games ever and ‘ we’re doing 6,000 tests’,” Conte was quoted as telling The Times newspaper.

“You have to put your hook and line in the water when the fish are biting and that was nine months ago. Is it easy to use drugs and benefit during (the) Olympics? Yes.” The British newspaper also quoted Conte as estimating that “60 percent of athletes at the Games were on drugs”.

severely damaged in the incident with Kenya,” the IAAF said in a statement.

“South Africa will run as an additional team in lane 9.”

Games. According to strict sponsorship regulations, Olympic athletes are only allowed to wear gear that is part of their country ’s sponsored apparel.

Omega is the official watchmaker of the Olympic Games. Richard Mille is not.

That may create a problem for Blake, who could now be facing a significant fine.

doping laboratory on the outskirts of London analysing more than 6,000 urine and blood samples during the Games. Any of the 10,000plus competitors can be required to test anytime, anywhere - trackside, poolside, in the athletes’ village or in private houses and several have already been thrown out of the Olympics for doping.

A spokesman for the IOC said it was a bit “like a poacher criticising a gamekeeper”.

“If he has information, we’d love to hear it,” he added.

I like this girl, Ajoke Odumosu •August 8, Mixed Zone, Olympic Stadium T

o hell with anybody who says I have done badly.”

Did Ajoke Odumosu say this?

I like this girl, Ajoke Odumosu, a graduate of South Alabama University.

She works hard and, by all standards, she is an elite Nigerian athlete. As far back as 2007 Ajoke improved her Personal Best to 55.27 to win the 400m Hurdles Drake Relays in USA. At that time of the season, it was a worldleading mark. Before this time, in 2006 to be precise, Ajoke was a silver medallist in the World Junior Championships.

With Folashade Abugan, Joy Eze and Sekinat Adesanya she won silver in the 4x4m relay, setting a new African junior record of 3.30.84 in the event.

Ajoke was to win bronze in the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers and in 2008 she won gold in African Championships, the same year that she competed in her first Olympics where a personal best of 51.39 seconds in the 400m pushed her to the semi-final in Beijing. Ajoke runs both in the 400m flat and 400m hurdles. She was born on October 1987.

Here in the 2012 London

Olympics, Joke ran the race of her life to reach the final of 400m Hurdles, setting a national record with her 54.40 seconds performance. It was a rave moment for her and Nigeria who were yet to win a medal here. The best we have done so far was getting to the final of some events.

And that credit goes to Blessing Okagbare, Ajoke and Tosin Oke in the Triple Jump.

All are track and field athletes.

AJoke screamed when she won her semi-final heat to reach the final. She knew it was no mean achievement to be in the top eight in the world. Apart from what she did for Nigeria she will gain from invitation to big meets.

Yes, Ajoke is in the top eight in the world and she knew what she did to get there. And that’s largely why she was extremely happy with herself when she

finished last with a time of 55.31 in the final. It was far from her 54.40 seconds in the semi-final and far from what she could do. she had hit a hurdle and lost balance and composure. She never recovered till the finish line. Ajoke put in so much to get this far. She trained and trained and when she ran out of money she borrowed to train for the Olympics.

Which other athlete did that? What did Nigeria do for the athletes coming here for the Olympics? For sports like weightlifting and boxing they waited till the last minute to camp them abroad. Before then they did not go for competitions that could have exposed them to modern techniques. even those they camped were no world class athletes because Nigeria has had no plan to develop sports. The sports ministry doesn’t get it and the states don’t care. Daily, everybody says we should return to the grass roots but nobody does anything to start the journey. Ajoke knew that she would fail if she relied on Nigeria for the Olympics and tried to help herself.

About three months to the Olympics there was news that a thousand dollars was earmarked for each Olympic bound athlete as a training grant. That must be a huge joke to those who know what the Olympics are.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria President told me something in a personal discussion in Calabar during the Olympic trials. It was not meant

for publication but Ajoke’s mood and remarks after her performance in the final here have compelled me to share this with you so that you can appreciate her position. I hope Ogba understands. Said Ogba: “I’m very impressed with Ajoke Odumosu. She has a good heart and she is very serious with her training. She called me from US and said ‘President, you know that I have run some races this year and made some little money. But you know that it takes time before the payments will begin to come in. Can you lend me about $7,000 for my training for the Olympics?. I will definitely pay back. There are things that I need to be doing and cannot wait for my payments.’ This touched me and I said this is a serious athlete, an athlete who wants to win for herself and for the country. Of course, I sent her the money.”

It is clear Ajoke Odumosu put in so much for these Olympics. She even borrowed money to prepare when her country was lagging behind. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria did their best to prepare their athletes but they knew they didn’t have the resources to offer Olympian preparation. The Federal Government totally failed our athletes and should take all the blame for the outing here.

They released N2.3billion at the last minute and nothing could be done with it other than what we know Nigeria for.

I was with Ajoke at the Mixed Zone after her 400m Hurdles race and she told me the following: “I have done my best and I’m happy with my performance here. I reached the final of my event in the Olympics, the only African to do so. For me, that’s a medal. To hell with any person who feels I have done badly. I

Neymar: I’ll play my heart out for gold B

wanted to win. I don’t like losing and I put in so much to win but I hit the hurdle and lost balance and couldn’t recover till the end. It can happen to anybody. That’s sports for you. You prepare for a competition for years but in one second the whole dream crashes. But I really feel good. I’m not disappointed. I leave here feeling good.”

Based on her personal sacrifice and her feat of being a finalist in an Olympic event, Ajoke has every reason to feel good. And she knew why she said “to hell with anybody who feels I have done badly.” Solomon Ogba should know and I know as well. I like this girl, Ajoke Odumosu.

razil soccer star, Neymar said yesterday that he was ready to do everything possible for Brazil to win their first ever Olympics gold medal.

Despite their conquest in the world cup with six wins.

But it has been a frustrating campaign at the Olympics, The Brazilians are playing in their first Olympics final in 24 years and Neymar said it will be now or never.

“My job is to help the national team win,” Neymar said. “I’ll be trying my best again in the final, either by scoring goals or setting up my teammates. No Brazilian has ever won this and I feel I’m prepared to help the team leave with the gold medal.”

However, he said that the team will not put themselves under pressure.

“Every match is important to me, whether it’s a final or a league match,” Neymar said.

“It will be my first final with Brazil and I’m proud to be

here representing the country in such an important moment like this, our first Olympic final in 24 years. But there are no secrets, really, it’s final like any other, worth a title, so you have to play focused from the beginning to come out victorious.”

Brazil has dominated the London 2012 Olympic tournament from the beginning, winning all of its five matches and scoring three goals in each of them.

Neymar had a sub-par performance in the opener against Egypt but improved and played well after that, scoring three goals and setting up several others.

If Brazil does win, Neymar will be surpassing the Olympic achievements of former Brazil greats like Romario, Bebeto and Ronaldo. Romario and Bebeto got the silver in 1988, while Ronaldo left with the bronze in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 35

C M Y K

36 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 , 2012—37

How S’ Africa stood still for Keagan BENJAMIN NJOKU, who was in South Africa NTIL last Sunday, South Africans have never had any cause to celebrate at the end of every season of Big Brother Africa reality show despite being the host of the show for seven years.

But the story was different this year as they took to the streets to celebrate after their representative at this year’s edition,Keagan emerged the star winner of the continent’s flagship show.

Keagan beat Kenya’s Prezzo, Lady May, Kyle, Talia and Wati to clinch the massive USD 300 000 prize (R2.5m) after 91 days of 24/7 drama, intrigues and thrills.

He won the show with the votes of six countries including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Angola, Botswana and Liberia.While Kenya’s Prezzo got votes from two countries, his home country and Tanzania, Kyle who was the first housemate to be evicted on the night got only one country’s vote(Uganda).

U

Colourful grand finale Lady May won votes from two countries; Namibia and Zimbadwe ; Wati(Malawi) and Talia who also won votes from Zambia and Sengal.

At the Sesani Studio, in Johannesburg, venue of the colourful grand finale, it was all jubilation and popping of champagne as most former South African housemates that included Barbz, Lee, and the Amplified season hopeful Nkuli stormed the stage to share their joy with Keagan who was dumb-founded with the win. Also, the natives’ joy knew no bounds as they took to the floor of the studio to celebrate Keagan’s victory.

Keagan dressed in rugged jeans with top blaze popped

Keagan celebrating with IK

champagne indiscriminately out of excitement. “All I can say its thank you to the people who voted for me,”Keagan muttered as he continued to

celebrate his victory on stage.

He was closely followed by Kenya’s rap luminary Prezzo who was the second runners up but got away with relative-

ly a big deal as an ambassador for the One Campaign project. He will be going to USA to join one of the world’s acclaimed Rap kings, J- Zee

for the concert.

For Keagan, winning the show was a long journey as

Continues on 36

Jude Engees Okoye gives brain tumour patient N1m

P

OPULAR video director, Square Records ensign and brother of popular duo pop stars P Square Jude Engees Okoye recently supported Ibezim Jude Osemeke who is suffering from brain tumour with N 1 million.

Ibezim who is suffering from brain tumour and needs the sum of N 3.7 million for surgery in India, contacted a popular Nigerian blogging site who put up a post asking readers to support Ibezim.

Following the post Jude Okoye contacted the blog site and donated the sum of N 1 million towards Ibezim’s treatment.

Jude, Peter and Paul Okoye alongside their other siblings recently lost their Mother (Mrs Josephine Okoye) hours later after surgery in India. The Late Mrs Josephine Okoye (P Square’s late Mother) was buried on August 2 2012 in Ifete-Dunu Akwa Anambra State

THE TEAM Ogbonna Amadi, Group Entertainment Editor Correspondents Ben Njoku Ayo Onikoyi Yemisi Suleman Opeoluwa Ogunjimi

INSIDE

Pretenders rule Faze makes WINNING IN A MAN’S WORLD: as Hip Hop Nollywood What’s Wardrobe got artistes debut to do with It – Mode 9 C M Y K

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Pretenders rule as Hip Hop artistes’ – Mode 9 H

IP hop veteran and seven time winner of the Lyricist On The Roll category at the Headies, Mode 9, recently poured out his heart on rap music in Nigeria.

Mode 9 was caught on camera advising a young rap artiste.

“A lot of people are rapping but people are not hip hop. It’s true. Some times I go to hip hop events and I just laugh. They are almost trying to, but not.

Those who really understand hip hop will understand what I’m saying. But if you are just on the surface, you’d say; Mode9 is not making sense.

It’s the truth. It’s what we know. I’ve invested a lot of time into this and I definitely know what I’m talking. Most Nigerians do not like rap.”

•Mode 9

How S’ Africa stood still ...

Continued from page 35 he came to the House with a bag of luck which many people believed helped him to emerged the winner.

He won the Head of House three times in both Houses(Downville and Upville) totaling to six regimes of leadership in the game.

Speaking after the show, Keagan said he entered the house to be himself. According to him, “It’s been a couple of hours since I have been outside the house but I am still trying to let everything soak in properly but it is super overwhelming … it’s a real sensation.”

Keagan added, “I was extremely shocked … I wasn’t sure what Africa wanted, I wasn’t sure how the voting was actually going to go and I didn’t know where I

stood… so that’s why I was extremely surprised when my name was called out to be the winner.”

Continuing the 22 year old South African said, he wasn’t expectant at all and was extremely surprised, explaining, “that is why I had no extreme reaction. I was just quite.”

Keagan was noted for being the most troublesome housemate but he explained his attitude in the house was exactly how he behaves. “I was always at the centre of mischief, always doing crazy random and spontaneous things.”

Another high point in Keagan’s stay in the reality show was his relationship with Zambian housemate Talia. He described the relationship as one of “a mutual understanding.”

The relationship, he hinted, may lead

w e n h t i w s n r u t e r Adaezey o e d i v , e l g n i s w ne

le moments r most memorab ry first time he at th ts un co ve re dustry was the in the music in to an incredibly receptive she performed and coming act and the day crowd as an up per to seal her current deal pa she put pen to cord label; Amazing Ville re w ne r (AV E ). he h it w t en m n ith her w g in E n te rt ai at communic r fo ed n ow Ren uage and in ry simple lang , Adaezey ve in ce en di au ps ered pidgin ra teamed up smoothly deliv t, en em ag an m w ne r he oject fame under oducer and pr pr ic us m e ac with st tempo rap to produce a fa it is here). ix M TY e; dg ju ng; y Here (meani tune titled E de

lar ly DA EZ E Mo gb og u po pu nds frie by ey aez Ad as referred to t cui cir sic and colleagues in the mu sic mu the on has staged a comeback y familiar scene. Those who are ver be r he r em rem ll wi wi th he r ge.She sta commanding attitude on du cer pro a h wit t ma de he r de bu ned ow dio stu a in ) (Ish aku called Ish by 2Shots in 2003. he for Determined to carve a nic few re we re the en wh e tim a at herself aezey Ad a, eri female rappers in Nig silver l’s ree Jez – B OJ went on to and him h point studios, to work wit was o wh y ken Joe , another producer n’s ma ed gg Ru g cin du pro famous for n the gle sin t “Baraje” track. Her firs s wa d an pe Se : wa s tit led by ed ect accompanied by a video dir •Nina Emeka Obefe. sonable This effort enjoyed some rea radio e measure of rotation on som Galaxy on y pla air vy stations and hea television station in Lagos. sta te, An ind ige ne of An am bra lings sib er oth ee thr has Adaezey who ed debut had released her self titl she had h ug ho album in 2007. Alt bition of am the d rse nu ly once secret ller she tba foo becoming a painter or a

A

Synopsis:

Movie of the week

A

factory worker haunted by a recurring dream and bored with the routine nature of his existence seeks fake memory implants only to have them unlock recollections of another life.

In many ways, the original 1990 film with Arnold Schwarzenegger (Commando) reflects the hulking and deadpan persona of its leading man while the latest version is as brooding and fleet-footed as Colin Farrell (Miami Vice). Personally I was happy to see the campiness replaced with a more serious tone; however, some quick wit would have added much needed brevity to the affair.

Whereas co-screenwriter Kurt Wimmer was able to produce an intriguing spin on Fahrenheit 451 (1966) with Equilibrium (2002), he adopts a formulaic approach with his retelling of We Can Remember It for You Wholesale by science fiction paranoia specialist Philip K. Dick. A common problem with the action genre is that with all the chasing going on there is so little time to get to know the characters in order to care about them. When the moment arrives where Colin Farrell must decide between reclaiming his old life or embracing his current one, it lacks the emotional wallop that the scene deserves.

The setting shift from Mars to Earth is not distracting as distinct worlds are created between the rich motherland located in Britain and the poor colony situated in Australia. Holograms, which are a staple of any futuristic vision, are integrated effectively, with glass serving as a key conduit. The technological show-stopper is the missile which upon impact releases hundreds of miniature cameras like shrapnel. The black and white coloured robotic police force known as Synths hark back to the Stormtroopers from Star Wars (1977) and the highway pursuit with the magnet vehicles is overshadowed by another film which also cast Farrell, Minority Report (2002).

Movie Schedule

August 13th - 15th, 2012

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, LEKKI Total Recall: 1:05pm, 3:35pm, 6:05pm, 8:35pm, 11:05pm.

Mirror Mirror:10:20pm, 3:25pm.

Snow white and the Huntsman:12:45pm, 5:40pm, 8:15pm, 10:50pm.

Amazing Spiderman: 12:30pm, 3:15pm, 6:00pm, 10:35pm.

Think like a Man: 12:25pm, 6:55pm, 11:15pm.

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Total Recall: 10:20am, 2:35pm, 4:55pm, 7:15pm, 9:35pm.

Snow white and the Huntsman:11:55am, 4:50pm, 7:20pm.

Amazing Spiderman: 11:40am, 7:45pm.

Think like a Man: 2:25pm, 9:50pm, 10:20pm.

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Total Recall:10:10am, 12:45pm, 3:20pm, 5:55pm, 8:30pm.

Amazing Spiderman: 10:00am, 5:05pm, 7:40pm.

Think like a Man:12:35pm, 6:35pm, 8:35pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, LAGOS Total Recall: 10:50am, 1:10pm, 3:30pm, 5:50pm, 8:10pm, 10:30pm.

Mirror Mirror: 11:00am, 3:10pm, 8:20pm, 10:30pm.

Amazing Spiderman:11:30am, 5:30pm.

Cocktail:7:55pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC, ABUJA Total Recall: 11:50am, 2:10pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm, 9:20pm.

Mirror Mirror:12:10pm, 2:20pm, 4:40pm, 6:50pm, 9:00pm.

Amazing Spiderman:12:40pm, 3:20pm, 6:00pm, 8:45pm.

Madagascar 3:12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:10pm, 8:10pm.

Snow white and the Huntsman:11:10am, 1:40pm, 4:10pm, 6:40pm, 9:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, CEDDI PLAZA, ABUJA Total Recall: 11:40am, 2:00pm, 4:20pm, 6:40pm, 9:00pm.

Amazing Spiderman:1:30pm, 4:10pm, 9:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Total Recall: 12:30pm, 3:10pm, 5:40pm, 8:10pm.

Amazing Spiderman: 3:00pm, 8:00pm.

Snow white and the Huntsman: 12:40pm, 3:20pm, 6:10pm, 8:50pm.

Madagascar 3:12:50pm, 5:50pm.

Think like a Man:4:30pm, 9:00pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Amazing Spiderman: 1:25pm, 4:00pm, 6:40pm.

Men in Black 3:11:45am, 1:50pm, 7:00pm.

• Adaezey

OZONE CINEMA, YABA Total Recall: 11:00am, 1:25pm, 3:45pm, 6:15pm, 8:40pm.

Madagascar 3:10:20am.

Amazing Spiderman: 3:25pm, 7:45pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—39

Faze makes Nollywood debut

A

FTER being missing in the Nigerian music scene for a while, Chibuzor Orji popularly known as Faze, of the defunct group Plantashun Boiz, has spoken up about what he has been up to.

“It’s lovely because it shows a different side of me. A lot of people ask if I can do something else aside music, so I decided to just try out acting. It took a lot to make me do the movie and I didn’t regret it. It was awesome. The role, the script, it was perfect.”; Faze said.

Faze who recently got signed to Now Muzik just dropped two new singles titled “Akachukwu” and Follow on your mind” in anticipation of his fourth studio album Refazed.

Kennis grabs two foreign acts

P

OPULAR music label, Kennis Music has added two new acts to the number of artistes on the label. According to Kenny Ogungbe, the C.E.O of Kennis Music, the new additions who are foreign acts, namely; B Howard and Hussain Abdullah Karim (H.A.K) are here to stay. Here’s what the label boss told us; “We have an American artiste that we’ve just signed, he is a multiplatinum producer, he’s a producer, a singer, a dancer, writer, a director, his name is Bee Howard and he’s got a song on air right now. The second person is also a producer that has won the Grammy Award before. We have Bee Howard, we have H.A.K. and we have more coming.”

He also says why the label decided to sign the two foreign acts “We want to take it to another level, because there are so many American artistes who are popular in their country and want to be popular here.”

The Kennis Music label has in the past signed other foreign artistes such as Nel Oliver from Benin Republic, Tic Tac, Mz Bell and V.I.P, all from Ghana.

Jamila storms music Africa studios

R

YTHM and Blues crooner Jamila Mohammed was a guest of Music Africa Studio, Lagos last weekend. Looking pretty good in her traditional African wear she was received by Mr Philip Trimnell the producer of Music Africa who took her round the Music Africa Studio, Video recording studio and editing facilities.

Jamila Mohammed’s two singles “No Regrets and We are One” are already receiving air waves across the country..

According to Jamila Mohammed “I am in the studio already doing more works to complete my full album release which is long over due. We are in the final final mixing stage. In few months time, Jamila will be

free to across the globe playing music” Jamila’s new hit single the Nigeria unity song “We Are One”, was short listed as the anthem for Team Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympic games. Jamila is under exclusive license to Jemstone Productions Ltd who are based in Abuja Nigeria.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Hi

My Nigerian wife taught me how to pray — Cooreman

I

Growing was born in Belgium on the 27th November 1943.

I have three children from my first wife now late; two girls and a son, Davy who is a professional footballer in Belgium. My daughters are married with children, and I have six grand children.

Comparing the league in Belgium and in Nigeria It is impossible to compare the leagues in Europe and in my country to the Nigerian league. Really, there are a lot of differences; talking about good organisation and co-ordination of the league than what obtains in Nigeria. Over there, coaches and players remunerations are well taken

care of. Also, in my country the football calendars for league schedules are always well set as football followers know when the league is suppose to begin and when it will end. But here in Nigeria, it is a very big problem which needs to be seriously tackled by the FA. I’m not saying that things don’t go wrong in my country’s league or in Europe but when it does they try to improve on it. That’s how it is supposed to be. But then, what I cherish most here is the budding talents Nigeria has.

My Daily routine I start off my day with a morning devotion after which I take my bath and get off for

training by 7.am. After training, sometimes I relief my wife and go to the market to buy some food stuffs while in the evening I watch television programmes particularly football.

My kind of dressing All my life as a coach, I have loved wearing track suits because I always get involved in training. It has been long I wore jeans or any other wears.

I remember wearing suits in one of the continental matches but since then, I have not worn it again. In fact, I can’t be caught in any other wears except in track suits. And I like the Addidas or Puma types. Sometimes, I force my wife to wear other wears like the Nigeria traditional attires to church.

I also like canvass shoes, trainers and snickers alongside good wristwatches but I don’t wear watches always . I also like good perfumes.

Mood and dressing My mood does not affect what I wear. But on very rare occasions I’ve changed into something other track suits.

,

It is impossible to compare the leagues in Europe and in my country to the Nigeria league. Really, there are a lot of differences

,

•COOREMAN 2

Life in Warri Life in Warri’s good, I’m happy in Warri and my relation with everybody I am involved with is very cordial.

For the moment I am fully committed to the cause of Warri Wolves. I must say I have enjoyed a good rapport with the management and staff of the club. The only thing I don’t like about Warri is the weather condition which is similar to the Belgium weather where it rains always, compared to when I was in Kaduna.

Me and female fans I always manage my female fans with respect whenever they appreciate me but no intimacy as I’m married to a Nigeria. I remarried after my first wife died of cancer in Belgium. Bu we were separated before she died.

Meeting my Wife My wife’s beauty got me attracted to her . Meeting her

•COOREMAN 2

Maurice Coleman’s achievements in the Nigeria Premier league can not be wished away in the history of Nigeria football despite being a foreigner. Having won trophies with several clubs in the country, the Belgium tactician is currently the Chief Coach of Warri Wolves Football Club. He is aiming at wining this year’s league title. In this Interview with Hi Groove, he opens up on the kind of clothes that stands him out. He also talks about his second marriage with a Nigerian woman whom he said has been a source of blessing and many more. Enjoy! was love at first sight. When I met her she was a very young and beautiful woman. I met her in Turkey after which we exchange contacts. I told her that we could see when I come to Nigeria, funny enough, after our first meeting in Turkey; I met her again soon after in Nigeria.

I would say meeting my Nigerian wife has being a blessing in disguise; for me a lot of attitudes have changed completely, especially in my praying manners. Meeting my wife, has taught how to pray as she takes me to church and also teaches me to pray always . Before now, I didn’t believe in praying even when I was in Belgium. But when I came to Nigeria, I learnt so many good things from her that have changed me. I think it is a very good thing. Each time I go back to my country for holiday and I want to eat I always pray before and after eating. My son was surprised at my new attitude because he knew Iwasn’t doing that before. I think Nigeria, through my wife has taught me to always pray and also to believe in God . I would say, she has been a source of blessing to me.

Smoking/Drinking I was a heavy smoker when I was in Belgium but when I came to Nigeria I stopped for awhile and later continued when I was with Enyimba and other clubs. But later on, I realised that my wife was not comfortable with it. After much pressure from her I had to stop smoking. I did last year. And since then, I have not smoked. For drinking, I don’t drink much but sometimes I take a bottle of beer to unwind.

Outside coaching I don’t do much outside coaching other than to watch football when I’m less busy .

I’m a television freak especially, football events. Sometimes, I could stay in doors all day long, watching football. In fact, my live revolves around football and I hope to die on my bed someday watching football.

My best meat/fruits I can eat Indomie and spaghetti every day but I can’t eat Nigerian foods. I could remember in Belgium when some players invited me to a Nigerian restaurant to eat. For the first time I tried taking pepper soup and Eba but it was like my mouth was on fire that day. After that encounter, I swore never to eat it again.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012— 41

Friends warm up for Dokpesi-Igbene first wedding anniversar y

Third leg of Oskar Ibru's daughter's wedding holds in Paris M AKASHE Ibru and Kayode Awogboro’s journey into matrimony which began on July 29 th with the engagement rites at the Ibrus’ hometown in Agbara-Otor, Delta State and made its glitzy berth in Lagos at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday August 4th will be rounded off in the European city of Paris, France on August 18th at the Eglise Sainte Clotilde, a catholic Church where the couple will be joined as man and wife followed by a reception at Pavillion d’Armenonville, Allee de Longchamp also in Paris.

Both the families of the bride and groom are leaving nothing to chance as visas have already been procured for their close friends and associates who are invited to grace the wedding. Top management staff of Emsee Shipping Lines Limited and Ark Insurance Group, where fathers of the bride and the groom hold sway respectively as Chief Executives, are expected to attend.

Trust the Olorogun Oskar Ibru to always exhibit a touch of class and panache. No sooner the guests land in Paris than they are whisk away to an undisclosed hotel, definitely bound to be Alist. On Friday night August 17th the scion of the Ibru family will welcome

•Justina and Alphonsus

I

T will be exactly a year on Monday August 13th when the families of Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman, Daars Communication and that of Chief Igbene ruffled feathers in the social circuit with a glamourous wedding of their children; Dr. Justina Dokpesi and Prince Alphonsus Oritsejolomi Igbene. Some days before the wedding anniversary of the couple, their friends have started talking about the wedding anniversary which will be a simple soiree for close friends and family members.

The couple have kept the affair close to their chests, inviting few people through text messages but some

Frances Lamai, sons storm London for Olympics

•Kayode and Makashe all guests to Paris with dinner reception to get them all in the right mood for the big event the next day.

According to a source, the couple may not be returning with their fami-

lies soon after the wedding as they plan to stay behind in Paris for their honeymoon. Of course they have no worries in the world. Makashe runs Oskart LCC, an Atlantabased entertainment

company while her hubby, Kayode Awogboro, a member of Lagos Goodfellows Polo Club, dictates matters at his father’s company, Ark Insurance Group as an Executive Director.

How will IBB celebrate 71?

O

NE of the big days to look forward to in the social dairy of the country, particularly, when it comes to birthdays of celebrated Nigerians is that of the former President Ibrahim Babangida, who will turn 71 next Friday. The retired General wields so much clout that his birthdays have become special days that set alight not only the media with congratulatory advertisements but also make important personalities in the country cut short their schedules to show up at the Minna Hilltop residence of the former number one citizen, if for nothing else but to show respect.

But since last year a

•IBB

dastardly irony of life has played a twist in the matter as the General’s former Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu died on his birthday, casting an air of gloom on what should have been a glorious and felicitous land-

overzealous friends have let out the planned shindig which is being planned to hold in one of the exotic hide-aways on the Island.

It would be recalled that the couple were joined together as man and wife at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Saturday August 13th 2011 followed by a glitzy reception at Harbour Point in Victoria Island. Notable amongst personalities that graced that event were Governors Segun Mimiko of Ondo state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state, Prof. Dora Akunyili, business magnate Andy Ubah and of course former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

mark in the life of the former number one Nigerian. Though a few faces still showed up at the Hilltop estate to felicitate with him but the normal shine that comes with such days was gloomily off colour.

Even IBB himself voiced how much Aikhomu’s death could come to redefine D’Banj his•life by saying “The timing of his death brings to me double jeopardy, while I am supposed to be celebrating the joy of my birthday, the sudden death of my close and highly dependable ally has jolted me out of my innermost sensibility”

P

RETTY wife of top South-south politician, Chief Richard Lamai, Francesmary Lamai, penultimate week travelled out with her three sons to London to be part of the Olympic Games taking place in Queen’s land as part of the family’s annual holiday We hear that though the big society lady is in London for holidays, she is also doing business on the side. Gist has it that she is using the opportunity to restock her Lekki Phase I based boutique, Lagos, which is partonised by the wives of the extremely rich on the Island.

While the wife is having fun with the children in London, we hear the big tactician himself, Richard Lamai, is in the United States of America on business trip. The politician flew out penultimate Monday aboard a Delta Airlines flight to Houston, Texas, where is expected to stay for two weeks.

Ebireri celebrates chieftaincy in style

E

NGR. (Dr) John Oviemen Ebireri is definitely a goldfish but a goldfish that prefers the quiet waters of life, far from the glittering light of public attention and the razzmatazz of social buzz celebration.

But penultimate Saturday, the saying that “ Goldfish has no hiding place” rang true for the son of Okpe Kingdom when the monarch of the land singled him and wife, Chief (Mrs) Catherine Ebireri ,out for chieftaincy honours.

The event was actually the 6th coronation celebration of His Royal Majesty Orhue I, Major

Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) CFR, and part of the activities to mark the landmark occasion the royal father found the Executive Director of SARPLAST (West Africa) Ltd, a giant construction firm in Abuja, and wife worthy of the chieftaincy titles of “UVO” and “Ohowvore” of Okpe Kingdom respective•Chief John and Chief (Mrs.) ly “for their immense Ebireri contributions to the growth and development of within and beyond the the Kingdom” as observed shores of the country by the monarch were treated to the dis•Akin George Thereafter it was a carni- play of the great tradival-like celebration in hon- tional Taylor music and dances our of the Ebireris as fami- of the Okpes with a lot ly members, friends from to eat and drink.

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , AUGUST 10, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 43

Swagger records Berths

Winning in a Man’s World: What’s Wardrobe got to do with It?

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

A

•Paul Smith

I

N the boisterous world of social networking, the blogger is genius. There is oilman Tunde Oduwole’sNigeriaNext, which has sought without raging success to get the next generation of Nigeria’s leaders to define, on a virtual platform, the shape of things to come.

Generally though, there are few virtual communities of technical integrity where people actually argue or ponder together or even throw the online equivalent of punches over why government after Nigerian government has failed to produce electricity or why fashion has not taken over from oil as major foreign exchange earner or how we can become chief suppliers of glass to the global computer industry.

• Holland

A

•Moschino

eBay Partner London Fashion Week

• Mrs. Clinton

Yet interestingly, a popular female English columnist recently attempted a similar analysis on why Hilary Clinton has been looking rather dreary lately.

It would be unlikely that Clinton’s (When you say “Clinton” these days, it usually refers to Mrs. Clinton) male colleagues have even noticed this suddenly important trend. Or that if they did, they did not merely attribute it to raging hormones and hot flushes, bad mood or simply a prolonged hangover from clubbing and swigging alcohol in South America.

For our analyst however, Mrs. Clinton has been playing down her looks for the purpose of getting some respect from her male colleagues by drawing attention to her brains rather than brawn.

For sure, on this visit to Africa, her styling will be nowhere as inspired or inspiring as that of First Lady

Feeding our vanity

•Patience Jonathan

of George Bush- who had daddy to give him the little political shove he neededand perhaps Abe Lincoln, who had suffered enough for his perceived ungainly presence pre white house, that the poor thing really deserved getting away with not being handsome at the end of the day; the American public has traditionally voted looks along with any other consideration.

It would not make for straightforward analysis, figuring out whether the

,

Linda Ikeji and Bellanaija have made fame as well as fortune, it is rumoured, feeding our vanity by endless photos of red carpet enthusiasts in action. Still that expectation- or the lack of it- did little to blunt the sharpness of the stab from reading a blog on one popular youth community site (name withheld), in which the Nigerian, US based blogger supposedly working in corporate recruitment, made bold to claim with no equivocation, that good looking women are more likely to be hired/successful/loved than her grungier counterpart. It would all seem rather confusing in the end, at least to less modern minds.

For those in the know, the distinction in these social media times are totally blurred, between a woman who is good looking and a woman that looks good. That is not necessarily a bad thing, the latter. It is, in fact, not a bad thing at all. With a bit of someone else’s hair (or maybe loads of it- who cares?), primer, concealer, foundation, lipstick, push up bra and high heels, we can all be devastating princesses with the world at our feet.

To be honest, it’s not an entirely new concept. In the past, we have been led to believe that with the exception

Daks

Mrs. Clinton has been playing down her looks for the purpose of getting some respect from her male colleagues by drawing attention to her brains rather than brawn

artful twist of the headtie of Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla it was that endeared her to the Big White Boys of Bretton Woods, or whether her make-up had become so boring over the years that she was basically accepted as one of the big boys.

,

(apologies to OBJ) Patience Jonathan. Her fabrics will not be as rich, or bespoke. Her jewellery will not be as opulent. But then, therein lies the distinction. Therein lies the distinction.

e

Bay have announced an exciting new partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC) in a multiseason sponsorship deal of the BFC Fashion Forward initiative. The fashion arm of the UK’s biggest online marketplace will help to support emerging British design talent through the programme, starting at London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013 this September.

C

•Ennis

OLYMPICS:It’s Grass to Gold for Jessica Ennis

aroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC says, “Fashion Forward is one of the British Fashion Council’s talent support initiatives; designed to help emerging British designers show and develop their businesses here in London.

In its sixth year it has grown

E

nnis has also increased her profile by taking part in several risque photo shoots for men’s magazines, including one for the August issue of GQ magazine.

She has the potential to earn millions more if she takes gold, experts say.

Says Melanie Smallwood, Head of eBay Fashion Brands,

e

“

Bay is more than just an auction house, it’s a shopping destination like no other. You’ll find high street brands selling direct alongside smaller boutiques and

international businesses as well as consumer sellers. eBay Fashion unites style seekers and enables you to shop anytime and anywhere.

Partnering with the British Fashion Council provides an opportunity to show our support to emerging British fashion talent, helping them to develop the long-term success of their businesses.”

T

his year ’s Fashion Forward designers include six-time NEWGEN sponsorship winner Mary Katrantzou, pattern and colour guru Louise Gray and Henry Holland and James Long (menswear), known for his signature knits and embroidered pieces. Melanie Smallwood from eBay will sit

on the panel that decides the next round of designers to be supported within the programme; these will be announced in January 2013.

S

pring Summer 2013 will mark the start of the partnership, with eBay Fashion planning a series of activities. This will include, eBay supporting ‘Born to Shop’; the biggest ever online fashion auction which forms a part of the Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die Campaign.

Designers, celebrities and UK fashion media will donate up to 200 desirable items for the auction, which takes place over London Fashion Week and aims to raise £50,000 for the charity.

ccording to Chukwuma, the managerial skill was learnt from her upbringing and the need to assist the thousands of talented youths in Nigeria.

She also disclosed that her motives were being replicated by the acting manager of her company, Patrick Ochei, who was a former dancer and producer who had experiences with Star Mega Jamz and Benson and Hedges concerts.

“For me, it is important to contribute my quota in the development of the Nigerian youths.

•Swagger Records

First female Chief Justice of Nigeria hits the ground running

A

s the26 year old British heptathlete becomes first female athlete to make 1million GBP (250million NGN) In the run up to the Olympic games, Jaguar gave her a five-litre, super-charged V8 engine vehicle.

The flash sports car, more often associated with Premier League football players, was an indication of the enormous personal wealth Ennis is accumulating.

She has secured major sponsorship deals with Adidas, BP, Aviva, Olay, Omega, British Airways, Jaguar and Powerade. The Adidas deal is worth up to £320,000 a year, including performance bonuses, and is believed to be the highest secured by any Team GB athlete.

to encompass both womenswear and menswear designers and now supports seven designers each year; making this the perfect time to announce eBay as its new sponsor. eBay’s sales statistics are overwhelming and we hope they will help to bring opportunities to the designers they support.”

s women at the helms of affair continue to excel in Nigeria, Mrs Nwamaka Onyeji, has also continued to discover and groom several talented youths thereby creating a charity in entertainment.

The Deputy Manager of Swagger Records, who has been discovering talented artistes for the past seven years has transformed the record company to a unique one since its formation three years ago.

•Aloma Mukhtar

B

eing ahead of the glass ceiling is not unfamiliar territory for new Nigerian Chief Justice. Mariam Aloma Mukhtar before her swearing in as the head of the Nigerian judiciary, had been the first woman from

Northern Nigeria to become a lawyer. As she grew in her career, Mukhtar, became the first woman to be appointed a justice of the Court of Appeal and, later, the first female justice of the Court of Appeal to make it to the Supreme Court.

By her appointment, president Jonathan has once again made good his promise to have women in positions in the country’s leadership during his administration.

In addition, the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Oeder of the Niger (GCON) was

conferred on her by the president

B

orn 68 years ago, Justice Muktar had her primary education at St. George’s School, Zaria and also at St. Bartholomews’s school, Wusasa, also in Zaria from 1950 and 1957. She also attended Rossholme School for Girls in East Brent, Somerset, England for her GCE O’ Levels in 1962 and went for further education at the Technical College, Berkshire England.

She graduated from Gibson and Welder College in law in 1966 and was subsequently called to the English Bar in absentia. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on June 26,

1967. With achievements too numerous to mention, there are unpredentedly high expectations from the lady of the law.

What people say about her.

S

ince her swearing in, Muktar’s appointment has been lauded as one of president Jonathan’s ‘right’ moves. Expectations are high.

President Jonathan, in a speech at the swearing in ceremony, urged Justice Muktar to mull and act on the establishment of special courts for terrorism, corruption cases.

Carol Ajie, Constitutional and Human Rights Lawyer

and Fellow, Leadership andAdvocacy for Women in Africa, Washington D.C., said “Justice Mariam Mukhtar, has worked twice as hard as others as a judge through the hierarchy of courts before she was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in June 2005, a measure that wholly prepares her for the challenging task ahead.

O

f impeccable integrity, she earned momentous respect from members of the Bench and Bar in a way that is unprecedented.

Accomplished, she comes with iconic experience and legendary judicial finesse.

Adored by many who look upon her as our super model

44 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

RIM brings BlackBerry 10 Mini Jam to Lagos STORIES BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

R

esearch In Motion, RIM, is perhaps expressing its happiness at having Nigeria as one of its biggest markets in the world. The maker of BlackBerry smartphones, PlayBook and tablets, is coasting home with some serious patronage as every Dick, Tom and Harry in the country seems to be Blackberry crazy. That only translates to fat bank balance which gives the company solid ground to give other top smartphone and tablet makers like Apple and Samsung a cause to always look back their shoulders.

However to continue dominating the Nigerian market the device maker knows that it must not only invest heavily in the local sector but also in human capacity, skill and knowledge base of the teeming Nigerian youths.

Apparently armed with that knowledge, RIM has partnered a Nigerian social innovation centre, Co Creation Hub, CcHub, to equip Nigerian developers

with skill and creation knowledge that can stand them out in their chosen career.

The partnership begins with the hosting of a BlackBerry 10 Mini Jam developer event on Tuesday, at the CcHub lab facility in Lagos, Nigeria.

T

he BlackBerry 10 Mini Jam will provide Nigerian developers with the opportunity to learn more about the unique capabilities of BlackBerry 10.

The full-day schedule will provide insight into the BlackBerry 10 experience, architecture and tools that

R

E

xecutive Vice President, Mobile Computing at RIM, David J. Smith, said that the company was excited to bring the device to its teeming customers across the world.

The new device offers a broad range of premium features, including a stunning 7 inch display, front and rear facing HD video cameras,

T

he event is being held at the CcHub lab as part of an agreement with RIM to support the BlackBerry developer community in Nigeria. RIM is partnering with the CcHub to bring the BlackBerry Developer Program to Lagos, providing resources for developers, students and teachers that want to learn about mobile app development.

•Wooden PC

Seen a PC made of wood? …Its greener than a regular PC

A

lthough, wooden-framed computers have generally been sent off-the-shelf, it is however resurfacing and it will interest you to see a makeover brand.

A team of engineers from Ireland’s MicroPro Computers and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Micro integration have gone a step further in unravelling the myth of technology with the introduction of a wooden bodied V3 touchscreen computer.

T

he wood-bodied iameco, pronounced “I am eco” v3 touchscreen computer, is said to have 70 percent less carbon footprint than a regular desktop PC with a monitor.

The wood according to the inventors isn’t just there to look pretty, but part of the efforts to minimize the amount

4G LTE Blackberry playbook

….Introduces 4G BlackBerry playbook tablet IM has also launched the new 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook tablet which has a built-in support for cellular networks. The new device is sleek and ultra-portable even as it delives faster performance over the original BlackBerry PlayBook.

It also supports the blazing fast 4G LTE networks.

Launching in Canada first, the new 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook allows customers to work more productively and connect to the Internet, as well as access their email, online apps, media and content, from more places than ever.

can help Nigerian developers be among the first from around the world who are creating apps for the new platform.

HDMI out and stereo speakers, and it also offers premium performance on high speed cellular networks, helping customers to be more productive than ever and to make the most of their time on the go.

F

eaturing the latest BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2 software, the 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook tablet gives customers access to high speed mobile networks around the world (LTE and 1 HSPA+) and offers an exceptional, high-fidelity, fast web experience that supports more HTML5 functionality than any other native tablet 2 browser on the market . The powerful unified inbox allows users to easily manage multiple personal and work email accounts, as well as messages from Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, all in one place. The built-in Calendar and Contacts apps offer features to help customers better manage schedules and prepare for more effective meetings.

of toxic substances used in the production of the computer, or that will end up in the environment once it’s discarded.

The system functions in a way that there’s no word on it, if the wood is reclaimed from other sources, or if it comes from virgin timber.

O

ther considerations in its construction include the use of passive copper heat sinks in place of an energyconsuming cooling fan, LED screen lighting that is said to improve its energy efficiency by 30 to 40 percent, and the almost total substitution of halogenated ûame retardants with less toxic materials.

According to Fraunhofer, 98 percent of the machine can be recycled once it’s no longer in use. In fact, 20 percent of the computer can be recycled without any processing.

Google too…. makes first foray into tabs with Nexus 7

T

he Nexus 7 , Googles first foray into the tab business is an amazing little device with a number of unique features. The front view of the tablet has no hardware buttons aside from the power button and volume rocker.

The device spots a 7-inch size, which makes it easy to be stowed away into the bag or even one’s jacket breast pocket.

Again compared with other tabs in that category, Nexus at approximately US$199 for the 8 GB model, is not bad.

Meanwhile the device has basically sold out on its first run in the U.S. although people are questioning whether it was due to its relatively cheap price or just that the device is a genuinely good Android tablet.

processor provides the processing power, with 1GB of RAM providing enough memory, in tandem with Android’s fairly robust multitasking abilities, to handle the variety of tasks a typical day of use can throw at it.

T

he device itself comes with either 8 or 16GB of onboard storage, depending on how much cash you’re

prepared to splurge (we’ve been using the $199 8 GB variant, the 16 GB model costs $249).

Unless you want to store your entire music library or a collection of HD movies locally, either size will probably serve your needs, and Google is angling this as a cloud device made for its Play store.

T

he Nexus 7, especially for a tablet of this size, packs some serious hardware grunt. A quad core Tegra 3

•Google nexus 7

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 45

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 47

C M Y K

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Yar'Adua urges assistance for less privileged

22 shortlisted for creative writing workshop

BY LAJA THOMAS

H

T

WENTY-TWO par ticipants have been selected for the 4th Nigerian Breweries-sponsored creative writers workshop which begins in Lagos on Tuesday August 14. They include four participants coming from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Cameroun.

According to Farafina Trust, organizers of the annual ten day workshop, the number was chosen strictly on merit from an initial list of 60 earlier distilled from all applications received.

The facilitators for this year’s workshop would be led by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria’s celebrated international writer. Other facilitators are Jeffery Renard Allen, Robert Spillman and Binyavanga Wainaina, who have been part of the literary workshop since its inception in 2009.

Jeffery Allen is a Professor of English at Queens College of the City University of New York and an instructor in the Writing Program at The New School. He is the author of two collections of poetry.

INSTALLATION: From left: Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Egbeda, Rotn. Sylvester Bakare; President, Rotn. Mike Okonkwo and Charter President, Rotn. Abdullahi Lawal, during the installation of Okonkwo as the 10th President of the club in Lagos.

AJIYA Asabe Ya r ’ A d u a , Founder/President of Asabe Shehu Yar ’Adua Foundation, has called on Nigerians to always assist the less privileged in the society.

Speaking at an event to mark the International Youth Day of Disabilities in Ogun State, she said: “I am happy because I can share a moment like this day with the less privileged and reassure them that all that glitters is not gold. I feel great that these children have not been forgotten. I am excited because these children can still sing and dance because Allah does not abandon His people.

“I am happy because

Impeachment threat: Political vendetta against Jonathan, says NDYM

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—NIGER Delta Youth Movement, NDYM, yesterday, WEBSITE LAUNCHING: From left: President, Rotary Club of Lekki Phase said that the impeachOne, Mr. Wilson Akhator-Eneka; Immediate Past President of the Club, Mr. ment threat against PresKayode Aderinokun, and Past District Governor 9120, Dr. Tunji Funsho, dur- ident Goodluck Jonathan ing the Launching of the Lekki Club Website, in Lagos. was being championed by those on political vendetta.

Urging President Jonathan to remain focused and committed in his resolve to rebuild and transform Nigeria, the group called on all NigeEnvironment Restoration report in the area, he Federal Government the rian youths to join hands Agency by setting up urged the government to benefit of the doubt by with the President to rid Hydrocarbon Pollution ensure that the report accepting HYPREP, real- the country of corruption Restoration Programme, was implemented with ising that other parts of and terrorism and build HYPREP, to cover all ar- UNEP, an international the Niger Delta also suf- a more stable and prosfer oil-related pollution eas in the region experi- agency exercising over- like Ogoni, and having perous nation. encing hydrocarbon pol- sight on quality assur- received guarantees from NDYM, in a statement lution. ance. the representatives of Noting that the action He said: “These con- HYPREP and National of the government cerns, notwithstanding, Oil Spill Detection and should not undermine the Ogoni people have Response Agency, NOSimplementation of the decided to give the DRA.

Ogoni set condition for implementation of UNEP report

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HAR COURT— OGONI have urged the Federal Government to ensure that the $1 billion start up fund recommended by United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, for clean-up of Ogoniland for the first five years was used for the area alone.

Chairman, Provisional Council of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Prof Ben Naanen, in a statement, yesterday at the end of a congress of Ogoni people in Bori, said the Ogoni were not happy that it took the Federal Government over one year to respond to the report released by UNEP on the scientific study of Ogoni environment He noted that the government had chosen to act outside the report which recommended the setting up of an Ogoni

these children are lucky to find considerate, kind-hearted and committed citizens, who are passionate about humanity. I am proud because these children are lucky to find the initiator of this home and today’s events, who believe that what rules the world is ideas and not affluence.

“When I look around our society these days, I can only see a few that believe that those vulnerable persons in the country deserve to live and enjoy other privileges we all deserve as human beings. Many have lost their souls. They are pre-occupied with what they get from the system and not what they can do to make Nigeria a better place for the weak, the young, the elderly and the poor.”

Edo guber: PDP won't stop any court ber of the National Execaction — Urhoghide utive Council, and that is

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

E N I N — S TAT E Publicity Secretary of Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Mathew Urhoghide, has said that the party will not stop members bent on challenging at the tribunal, the outcome of the July 14, 2012 governorship election in the state from doing so.

Urhoghide, in a televi-

sion interview, said: “The party cannot stop any member who feels aggrieved over the outcome of the governorship election from going to court.

It is their fundamental right, but the party has taken a position that it will not go to court.

“That decision flows from the national body of the party and that was why the state party chairman (Chief Dan Orbih) said so. It is only the state chairman that is a mem-

why I don’t want to comment much on the matter.

“It is not only Edo South Senatorial District that makes up the party, but anyone can exercise his right and PDP will not stop him. There are antecedents. Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, said it would not go to court following the outcome of the 2011 presidential election, but Gen Mohammodu Buhari went ahead with his litigation, and the party did not stop him.”

NSIAC book reading forum holds tomorrow

A

BOOK reading forum tagged Rotimi Babatunde: The man and his works, holds tomorrow at the Nigeria Society for Information Arts and Culture, NSIAC, 54 Magazine Road, Ibadan.

Rotimi Babatunde recently won the Caine Prize for African Literature with his story, Bombay’s Republic. The programme is to honour a writer that has done Nigeria proud.

by its national president, Mr. Godspower Odenema and national secretary, Mr. Moses OmoIkirodah, said the almost insurmountable hurdles put on the way of President Jonathan in his declared readiness to rebuild and transform Nigeria were the handiwork of enemies of the nation.

The group vowed to shut the country any time a northern president assumes leadership of Nigeria after the second tenure of President Jonathan.

Enodien passes on

O

B O N G A N WA N Victoria Enodien (nee Esenowo), is dead.

She was a former councillor in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa bom state.

A statement by the Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Chief Usoro I. Usoro, said the late Enodien would be buried on August 17, 2012.

Late Victoria Enodien

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 49

C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY,AUGUST 10, 2012 — 51

End of the road for suspected ‘one chance’ thieves in Abuja •as irate crowd met out jungle justice

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

•When the mob descended on the suspects

T

HREE suspected thieves inside a taxi popularly called ‘one-chance’ met their waterloo, weekend, after they were nabbed in Mabushi area of Abuja and tortured by an angry mob who later threw them off a bridge in the FCT, despite the intervention of an SSS agent.

According to an eye witness, luck ran out of the suspected thieves as they were moving in a taxi with their victim struggling to attract the attention of passers-bye. Fortunately, curious onlookers noticed the victim and gave the taxi a hot chase till it stopped.

An eyewitness that pleaded anonymity told Crime Alert that, “this happened on Saturday at Mabushi area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Desperate gestures

The taxi was moving along and someone inside seemed to be panicking and trying to call for attention of people. Passersby noticed his desperate gestures and gave the taxi a hot chase till it stopped. The victim later explained that when he entered the taxi, the men inside demanded for his phone and the bag he was carrying.

He further said that he surrendered everything to them and while they were taken him

,

•The 3 suspects confined inside their taxi

The victim later explained that when he entered the taxi, the men inside demanded for his phone and the bag he was carrying

•The bridge where they were thrown from

,

to an unknown destination, he was praying and trying to raise alarm. He commended the people that rescued him because, according to him, they were

•A scene n o v e r v i e w of the

curious when they saw the way he was looking but could not raise alarm.

Crime Alert gathered that the kidnappers were later dragged out of the vehicle and were seriously beaten to stupor. One of the suspects reportedly died in the course of the attack. The

situation was partially arrested after an operative of the State Secret Service, SSS, decided to handle the matter by taking the suspects into custody. He handcuffed the two other suspects that were alive.

However, the situation took a dramatic but dangerous angle

while the SSS Agent was calling for backup.

Some members of the enraged crowd, in a commandolike, liaised with themselves and suddenly rushed f o r ward, pushing the suspects from the fly-over bridge in other to finish them off like their dead colleague. Not done yet, the crowd quickly descended the bridge and pounced on the suspects with intent to kill them.

It took time before order was restored and the suspects were handed over to law enforcement agents that arrived the scene.

Robbery is my only source of lively hood — suspect

By DONALD ARJI

er members of his gang. Those arrested were Uchenna Irem, Shedrach Ugorji, Chukwuma Uzoma, Sunday Abidakun and Idowu. In the course of investigation, three Toyota coaster buses with number plates XV 858 GGE, EA 823 GGE, XR98KSG were recovered at Egba and Odo-Eri in Delta and Kogi states.

A

MIDDLE-aged robbery suspect recently stunned police detectives in Lagos when he openly confessed that he had no other profession than robbery. Fair-complexioned Maxwell Unachukwu who sang like canary to the bewildered anti-robbery policemen later gave information that led to the arrest of five of his partners in crime.

He was arrested after the gang attacked one Durigbo Nneka along the highbrow Allen Avenue in Ikeja.

Crime Alert gathered that on the fateful day, the young lady was leisurely going to work.

On reaching a point at Allen Avenue where she wanted to board a bus, a young man appeared from nowhere and pointed a gun at her. Before she knew what was happen-

Threat to shoot •The school bus suspects ing, her attacker dispossessed her of her hand bag and threatened to shoot her if she raised alarm. After the incident, the victim reported her plight to the police at Ikeja and a team of crack detectives attached to the special anti-robbery squad, SARS, were detailed to inves-

tigate the case.

It was learnt that the detectives swung into action and ended up arresting the leader of the gang identified as Maxwell Unachukwu.

When he was quizzed, he opened up by giving information that led to the arrest of oth-

A Toyota Hiace bus with number plate XP230KTU was recovered in Lagos.

The prime suspect, Unachukwu, who pleaded guilty to the crime confessed attacking Nneka and dispossessing her of her hand bag at gun point while threatening to shoot her if she screamed. He also confessed to the series of robbery attacks at Mile 2 overhead

bridge, Volkswagen bus stop along Badagry expressway and other places within Lagos. Attributing his involvement in robbery to the handiwork of the devil, he stated unequivocally that, he has been using robbery as a source of lively hood.

“Please forgive me, it is the handiwork of Satan, I am jobless and this is my only source of lively hood,” he pleaded.

Lagos State police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ngozi Braide, told Crime Alert that efforts are being intensified to arrest two remaining members of the gang whom she said are at large. She also advised Lagosians to be vigilant and also help the police to fight crime by giving useful information to the police.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Bismillahi Rahamani Raheem.

Wasalatu wasalam ala seyidina Muhammad, wa ala alihi, wa ashabihi, wasselim.

T

HE last ten days of Ramadan may indeed be regarded as an intensive course of spiritual education which brings immediate positive results in a Muslim’s life through Itikaaf. One of the essence of Itikaaf is to seek Laylat al-Qadr and to use the night in worship. That is because of the great virtue of that night of which Allah says: “The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (it means worshipping Allah in that night is lot more than a thousand months or 83 years and 4 months of worship)” [Suratul-Qadr 97:3].

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Seeking Laylatul-Qadr through Itikaaf The Prophet (s.a.w) strove to seek that night by observing Itikaaf during the first ten days, then he observed it during the middle ten, then he continued to observe i’tikaaf during the last ten days. That was his utmost effort to seek Laylat al-Qadr and he enjoined us to seek the night.

The major objects of i’tikaaf are: *Being alone with Allah and cutting oneself off from wordly affairs, so that one may focus completely on Allah. *Desire for spiritual renewal. *Worship Allah with prayer, du’aa’, dhikr and reading Qur’an. *Supplicating for forgiveness of sins and other heart desires.

It is prescribed to observe I’tikaaf in a mosque in which congregational prayers are held. If the period of i’tikaaf will include a Friday, it is better for the Mutakif to stay in a mosque where Jumat prayer is observed.

But what are those things he is expected to do? One should engage himself in recitation of Quran, seeking forgiveness of sins, duaa and performing other superrogatory prayers. He

should abstain from all types of sin and keep away from acts and scenes that could lure hi, to sin, thus deriving maximum benefit from the I’tikaf. The Mu’takif should

,

“...And We commanded Ibraaheem (Abraham) and Ismaa’eel (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I’tikaaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer)” (Qur’an2:125) “And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I‘tikaaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques” (Qur’an2:187) Aisha (radi-Allahu-anhaa) said that the Prophet (s.a.w) used to observe i’tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul.

With regard to scholarly consensus, more than one of the scholars narrated that there was scholarly consensus that i’tikaaf is prescribed in sharee’ah, such as al Nawawi, Ibn Qudaamah, Shaykh al Islam Ibn Taymiyah, and others.

the male perform theirs at the male section while the female also observe theirs at the female section. It is not permissible to perform I’tikaf at home according to the

Some of the permissible acts during Itikaaf are eating, drinking, sleeping, (excessive sleeping is discouraged) necessary conversation, (not idle talk) act of neatness such as changing cloths, or wearing light perfumes, walk inside the masjid and learning about the deen

,

remember that he is the guest of Almighty Allah, therefore he should be extremely careful of his behaviour in the Mosque.

The main objective of I’tikaf is to seek Laylatul Qadr, therefore the Mu’takifeen (brothers in I’tikaf) should exert themselves during the odd nights of Ramadan.

The women can also perform the act of seclusion. Since it is performed in the mosque,

notable scholars, Shafi’is, Malikis and Hanbalis. But the major condition after all other pre-conditions must have been met, is to be in a state of purity. Women in menstrual period and those in post-natal (nifas) bleeding

More on Itikaaf in our daily Ramadan Talk

Importance of Iftaar (2)

BY HARUN RAZAQ

A

Ago Ebira Central Mosque, Mokola, Ibadan, honoured Malam Abubakar Ali Balogun as Imole Adini recently. Pix shows Chief Imam, Shuibu Umaru (left) with the Awardee assisted by Chief Lamidi Balogun, the Ohinoyi Anebira of Ibadanland.

of course cannot access the mosque.

The same rules which apply to a man observing I’tikaf in the masjid, apply to a woman.

I wish to state here that although the Hanafis school of thought opine that women can observe I’tikaf in a place of seclusion at home but the popular opinion is that a woman can only perform I’tikaf in a masjid. She must also seek permision from her husband. Fasting is a condition for the I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan. Thus, I’tikaf without fasting will be considered a voluntary act.

In observing Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, movement out of the mosque is only permitted when safety is threathened. In that case, one can move from one mosque to another for safety.

Some of the permissible acts during Itikaaf are eating, drinking, sleeping, (excessive sleeping is discouraged) necessary conversation, (not idle talk) act of neatness such as changing cloths, or wearing light perfumes, walk inside the masjid and learning about the deen. It is good to remain in wuduh (ablution) as much as possible. If his wudhu breaks, it will be permissible for him to leave the masjid for the purpose of wuduh, even if it is not yet time for salat.

Similarly, it will be permissible for him to leave the masjid to make wudhu at night to enable him to sleep with wuduh.

lso, recognizing the importance of Iftaar is the United State of America, which has Muslims in the minority, has since 1996, through United States Department of State, held an annual Iftaar dinner for community leaders from US society and faith groups as well as foreign policy officials.

But, it is disheartening that many of the present Muslims in Nigeria particularly the rich do not value the act of providing Iftaar to the fasting Muslims; with exception of few Muslims who has in recent time been sponsoring Iftaar and one of them is Hon. Kazeem Ademola Alimi member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Eti-Osa Constituency I. He sponsored Iftaar organized

by TMC, Eti-Osa branch which was held at Ikota primary school, Eti-Osa. The event was highly commendable as its featured Iftaar and lecture entitled: Towards societal reformation by Shykh Zikrillah Shafi’. We make a particular reference to this Iftaar here because the primary objective of a sermon is either to warn people of the evil they do commit or encourage them to embark on the good things they shy away from.

No doubt, Iftaar is famous among Muslims world-over

owing to its importance during the month of Ramadan. Prominent in the act of sponsoring Iftaar are some individuals and organizations from Saudi Arabia who feed fasting Muslims in selected area annually.

But, it is disheartening that many of the present Muslims in Nigeria particularly the rich do not value the act of proving Iftaar to the fasting Muslims. With exception of few Muslims who have in recent time been sponsoring Iftaar. And one of them is Hon. Kazeem Ademola Alimi member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Eti-Osa Constituency I. He sponsored Iftaar organized

by TMC, Eti-Osa branch which was held at Ikota primary school, Eti-Osa. The event was highly commendable as it featured Iftaar and lecture entitled: Towards societal reformation by Shykh Zikrillah Shafi’. We make a particular reference to this Iftaar here because the primary objective of a sermon is either to warn people or encourage them to embark on good deeds they always shy away from.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 53

DAY 4: RCCG CONVENTION

Congregation at the arena during the service of songs

Photos: Lamidi Bamidele

Worshippers trooping into the redemption camp

Jonathan may grace RCCG’s convention

By SAM EYOBOKA &

OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HERE were very strong in dications here, yesterday, that President Goodluck Jonathan may be the chief guest at this evening’s Holy Ghost Service of the ongoing 60th annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the Redemption Camp.

The convention which started on Monday with the ordination of more than 7,000 deacons and deaconesses continues today with the Holy Ghost service which always attracts people from every corner of the globe as it features diverse miraculous feats.

The theme of this year’s convention is "Come up higher”, and the event has been described as a year of double jubilee as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the church and the 70th anniversary of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

PRAYER POINTS 1. Everything I need to restitute about reveal to me now and give restitution 2. Everyhting that will hinder my climbing help me to get rid of it now, 3. Father, I will restitute my ways, remove every curse in my life.

Nobody among the senior officials of the church was willing to confirm the rumours of the presidential visit, but the speculations were rife that the president may use the occasion of the double celebration in the church to ask Pastor Adeboye to further intercede for a nation that has been under siege of Islamic insurgents.

Some residents believe that fresh traffic arrangements being put in place were indications of a planned visit of a high profile individual, apart from an attempt to clear the expected congestion in the camp arising from a daily influx of people for the convention.

Distinguished personalities Apart from the president, the Holy Ghost Service is expected to attract several dignitaries including governors, ministers, holidaying national legislators, legal luminaries, traditional rulers and many other distinguished personalities who will grace the occasion to receive the prayers of the man of God. Pastor Adeboye has repeatedly said that this year’s convention would remain indelible in the memory of the more than six million people expected at the annual spiritual fiesta as a number of the participants would return home with diverse miracles be-

TESTIMONY

God intervenes in woman's fallopian tubes

O

N Wednesday a young woman from Delta State, Mrs. Josephine Oghenetejiri, gave a stunning testimony of how God intervened in a hopeless situation.

She narrated how doctors had written her off and said she could not have a baby because she had no fallopian tubes.

Fallopian tubes are the two long, thin tubes that connect to a woman’s uterus (one on each side). The other ends of the tubes flare open with several long fringes, called fimbrae, on the end. After ovulation, these fimbrae beat back and forth to help guide the egg into the fallopian tube. Once inside the

tube, tiny hairs called cilia push the egg along and toward the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube if the egg encounters a sperm.

Mrs. Oghenetejiri, who belongs to Delta Province 1, narrated how she had to resort to God for help and her pastor assured her that there is God who can replace any thing in her that had been said to be dead and after a short while she became pregnant.

She raised two bouncing babies who are the products of the pregnancy even when medically she was declared barren as it s impossible for her to be pregnant.

cause jubilee is a year of release and restoration.

As a result of the heavy vehicular traffic expected at the Redemption Camp today an elder of the church told our reporter during the week that it has taken measures to reduce traffic on the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, saying that special anti-riot police men from neighbouring states are being deployed to complement efforts of FRSC men, members of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, NCDC and the church volunteers.

The church camp manager, Pastor A.F. Elufowoju told Vanguard: “We have made adequate arrangement with the Federal Road Safety Corps who will be complemented by a men of the anti-riot policemen from surrounding states in addition to other para-military personnel from the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps to control traffic on the road.”

He, therefore advised motorists coming to the camp to park their cars in Lagos and use the numerous RCCG buses strategically located in Lagos, Ibadan and other cities, noting that they are free.

BRT LAGBus to the rescue of transportation within the camp

TODAY'S EVENTS

A

S the 60th annual conven tion reaches its crescendo, there are two events scheduled for this morning. They include Plenary Session 6 which takes place between 8.30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. while Bible study holds 30 minutes later.

At 2.00 p.m. there will be a Youth Hour for two hours when National Youth Affairs is expected to present Shift, an RCCG star hunt programme to discover talents in

singing, dancing and comedy.

Audition started yesterday at the Youth Centre and the Grand Finale holds today at 2.00 p.m.

And the climax or the highpoint of the one week spiritual fiesta, the Holy Ghost Service/Plenary Session 7 and 8 is scheduled for 8.30 p.m. The Holy Ghost Service is the icing in the cake of the annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG.

Adeboye admonishes corrupt Christians THE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Wednesday, came down very hard of corrupt Christians, warning that there was no way they can inherit the Kingdom of God unless they urgently changed their ways now.

He said: “Except you restitute your way that which you did is waiting for you in your future. If you think that what you have done, the evil you have done, the monies you have stolen, the things you got by wrong means because nobody saw you, is gone and gone for ever, think again! If you love yourself, before the end of this

week, restitute your ways, because if you did anything and you think nobody knows, God knows. If there is something that is not yours but is in your possession, for you to enjoy this year of jubilee, you must restitute your ways.”

Speaking on a topic entitled ‘that I may know him’, with inspiration from Philippians 3:7-11 and several biblical passages he described the sermon as stepping on dangerous grounds and, therefore, called on the congregation to pray for him, saying that Paul said ‘I want to know Him.’ “Knowledge is power and ignorance is destruction. The Word of God says my people are destroyed for

Sanitation conscious provinces

S

ANITATION is a very seri ous issue at the Redemption Camp as the General Overseer announces on a daily basis reports of sanitary inspectors who daily take care of affairs in the different hostels. As at Wednesday evening,

Pastor Adeboye said Lagos Province 28 was leading the pack of the neatest provinces. It was followed by Abia Provinces 1, 2 and 3 and Lagos Province 13. Among the dirtiest provinces are Kwara Province 2 and Kwara Province 1.

lack of knowledge. When Paul, who is an apostle, says he wants to know Jesus, where do you stand?” He pointed out that there are many aspects to the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ: there is the aspect of Him as the Saviour, there is the aspect of Him as the Healer and there is the aspect of Him as the Deliverer.

“What aspect of Him did Paul want to know? I think he is interested in the aspect of Jesus Christ as the Truth. He wanted to know more about the truth? So we will be talking about the truth here tonight, even though the truth can be bitter.”

Adeboye said there are three levels of truths: The basic truth, secondary truth and a little bit of the higher truth. Basic truth, he said may be described as ‘Nothing goes for nothing.’ The Bible tells us clearly that salvation is free, but salvation is free only because someone pays for it. (1 John 1:7)

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 55

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

EZEMENAHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Ezemenahi Chinemelum Ekwuy, now wish to be known and addressed as O b i e k w e Chinemelum Ekwy.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AKPOKEREMOGRE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Akpokeremogre Datuowei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Datuowei Odim.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FAKUNLE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fakunle Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Olubukola Christiana Daramola. All f o r m e r documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ANEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aneke Lilian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mamah Lilian.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria police force and general public please take note.

EVRO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evro Gold Oghenerurie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emeni Gold Oghenerurie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esiri Veronica Obatarhe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omajugho Veronica Obatarhe.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

KEKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kekeke Omatsola Ufuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. A g a t h a Etinagbedia Ufouma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OROGUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orogun Grace Oghenetega, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olley Grace Oghenetega. All former documents remain valid.

University of Ilorin, NYSC and general public please take note.

S A G U A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Sagua Agberia Deborah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udezi Agberia Deborah. All former documents remain valid. and general public please take note.

SEREGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Seregbe Ediseimokumor Endurance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Simon Ediseimokumor Favour. All former documents remain valid.

Delta State School of Marine Technology (BURUTU) and general public please take note.

T E J E R E— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Tejere Etaghene Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oritsematosan Akori Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OGHENEVWEDE— I, formerly known and addressed as M i s s Oghenevwede Hossana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obrotobo Hossana.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

A D E B AY O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Sharon Happygirl Olusola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Philip Fianka Sharon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA K A E Z E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwakaeze Chidinma Francisca, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. N e b e o k i k e Chidinma Francisca.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EDIRIN—This is to confirm that the name Edirin Bruno Agbro refers to one and the same person as David Bruno Agbro.

All f o r m e r documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKOYE — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Theodora Chizube Okoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Theodora Chizube Chidozie. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Edo State University Ekpoma and general public please take note.

EJIMMADU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Adaugo Ejimmadu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adaugo Olisa Onwuatuegwu. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Oko, NYSC and general public please take note.

AWORINDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Oluremi Aworinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obe Elizabeth Oluremi of 2, Showumi Street, Ajuwom Ogun State.. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

KUTEYI— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolara, Toyin, Dupe, Jejemiwa Kuteyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omolara Dupe Waire. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and general public please take note.

AZEEZ—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Funmilola Elizabeth Azeez, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Funmilola Elizabeth Olasimbo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MOHAMMED—I, formerly known and addressed as Saleh Mohammed Ajaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Silas Saleh Ajaka. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank, NPA and general public please take note.

EZEIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeike Adaeze Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okpala Adaeze Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Ebonyi State University, NYSC and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to certify that the name(s) Ekuma Ngozika, Ekuma Ngozi, Ekuma Faith Ngozi, and Nweke Faith Ngozi refer to one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Ekuma Ngozi Faith. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University, IMSU Owerri and general public please take note.

IORNEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Margaret Iornem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Margaret JosephJacob. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Police Force and general public please take note.

AVWERHOTA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Avwerhota Oke Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eboigbe Helen Oke. All former documents remain valid. University Of Petroleum Resources Effurun and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the name Agbaji Agbaji Samuel, refers to one and the same person as Agbaji Adai Samuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Agbaji Adai Samuel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of N a m e This is to confirm that the name Ejeh Ubah, refers to one and the same person as Ijei Osadebe, now wish to be known and addressed as Ijei Osadebe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWOMERO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Ajirioghene Owomero, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Ajirioghene Michael. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

GBORIANGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Gborianga Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Zige Victoria.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FASHINA—I, formerly known and addressed as Fashina Omolara Oluranti, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kuye Omolara O l u r a n t i .

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IKPEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Eloho Ikpen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Eloho O g b i m i .

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ODOH— We, formerly known and addressed as Late James Odoh family— Dr. Raymond Odoh, Dr. Damian Odoh, Dr. James Odoh, and Dr. Charles Odoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeoha family—Dr. Raymond Ezeoha, Dr. Damian Ezeoha, Dr. James Ezeoha, and Dr. Charles Ezeoha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ULOAKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Gloria Uloaku, now wish to be known and addressed as Gloria Uloaku Onwuchekwa. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

E TA B U N O R — I , Formerly known and addressed as Miss Etabunor Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenetega O k o r o d u d u blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SULE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sule Ismaila Ajani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Sulaiman Ismaila Ajani. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKIMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Diepiriye Akimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Diepiriye Akimi Ayawei.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

VANGUARD'S

LAGOS OFFICE

YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E R T S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T P AV I L I O N T B S , L A G O S .

ADVERT HOTLINE 018737025

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

EBHALEMEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Ebhalemen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Umuemufo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My correct name is Frank Atseyinku, but the management of ECOBank wrongly spelt it when opening an account with them as Franklin Atseyinku. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANAETO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eucharia O. Anaeto, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eucharia O. Chukwu. All former documents remain valid. Deo Gratias International School and general public please take note.

BELLO—I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bello Adizatu Jumaih, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs. Jumaih Salami Momoh. All former documents remain Valid.General public please take note.

AJUEBON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajuebon Dorcas Izojie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Atojoko Dorcas Izojie. All former documents remain valid.

John Snow Inc. and general public please take note.

OKAFOR—I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Obiageli Sophia, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs. Adebayo Obiageli Sophia. All former documents remain Valid.General public please take note.

AWODI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojima Awodi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojima Okwulu. All former documents remain valid.

CNSSL and general public please take note.

OPAYEMI—I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesola Oyewumi Opayemi, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs. Adesola Oyewumi JimmyEboma. All former documents remain Valid.Verdant Zeal Ltd and general public please take note.

YAKUBU—I, formerly known and addressed as A b d u l l a h i Yakubu, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdullahi Sidi Yakubu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AIMUFIA—I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Racheal Osareme Aimufia, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs. Racheal Osareme Ebukhaile.

All former documents r e m a i n Valid.General public please take note.

HASSAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Hassan Grace Uche, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adinku Grace Uche.

All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and general public please take note.

BAKARE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bakare Oluwakemi Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Oluwakemi Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and general public please take note.

ADIAMROTOROYE—I, Formerly known and addressed as Adiamrotoroye Michael, now wish to be known and addresed as Adiamrotor Michael. All former documents r e m a i n Valid.DESOPADEC and general public please take note.

UGWUNWA—I, Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwunwa Uzor Tarure Treasure,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ozuem Uzor Tarure Treasure. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Obi canvasses investment drive

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that one of the ways to attract investment in Nigeria is for government officials to go the extra mile to market the country’s potentials and huge market.

Speaking at the launch of World Bank Investment Climate Assessment Report involving 26 states in Nigeria, Obi said the perception about Nigeria was far from the reality, contending that the country was much better than many other countries that enjoyed greater investment opportunities.

According to the governor, most of the negative reports about Nigeria were exaggerated.

Recalling his experience while convincing some multinational companies to come and invest in Anambra State, like SABmiller whose factory would be commissioned in Onitsha later this month by President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi said he not only travelled to South Africa and London more than ten times for talks, but when the global chief executive officer, CEO, of the company visited the state, he took him to major markets in the state. The governor said: “We went to Onitsha main market and ate at a mama put joint after which the SABmiller boss acknowledged the enterprising drive, liveliness of the people and availability of a market. He then declared that Anambra was a place to invest in.”

Delta govt urged to intervene over sacked 400 Chevron workers

V

ICE Chairman of U g b o r o d o Community Youth Development Council, Comrade Joseph Uwawah, has pleaded with the Delta State government to prevail on Chevron to recall over 400 casual workers it sacked at its Escravos Tank Farm in Warri South-West local area. The youth leader alleged the sin of the sacked workers was joining the NUPENG union to help pursue their legitimate demands after crying out for over 11 years over their pitiable plight.

Uwawah said the state government should prevail on Chevron to respect Labour laws of the nation, lamenting that Chevron’s Public and Government Affairs Department’s insistence on an undertaking for the workers to be re-engaged as casual workers was unfair.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 57

*Bridge of death: Where Caleb met his untimely end. INSET:Dauda who narrowly missed death

Killed by flood: Tragic end of 60-yr-old civil servant

BY SUZAN EDEH, Bauchi

A

FTER putting 35 years into the civil service, Caleb Mida, who was awaiting retirement to start enjoying the fruits of his labour was killed by a mysterious flood in Gwallameji, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis. The deceased who was 60 years old had hoped that his retirement would bring some form of relief to his family courtesy of his gratuity which will translate to improved condition of living for them.

Although the late Caleb was not a very wealthy civil servant, he managed to erect a befitting accommodation for his family in the area where he lived almost all his life. The retiring civil servant’s house is adjacent the old Church of Christ, COCIN, in Gwallameji, about 20 kilometres from town. It was from here he usually rode on a motorcycle to work everyday.

With the improvement of the condition of service for civil servants in the state, the late Caleb who worked with the Hospital Management Board was far better off than most of his counterparts who rely solely on farming and other businesses to make ends meet.

However, with a large family to cater for, he had no choice but to explore other means of revenue generation to make ends meet, especially with his

retirement fast approaching. It was gathered that the deceased also engaged in farming to augment his salary.

On the evening of that fateful day, July 28, at about 3:45 pm, he told some friends that he was going to inspect his farm near Tabuli village. One of them, Usman Ahmadu, told Vanguard Metro, VM, thus: “That day we sat together in the evening near his house beside the old COCIN Church in Gwallameji. He said he was going to inspect his farm and he left with Dauda Istifanus.”

Farming together This was confirmed by Dauda, 50, who told VM: “We went to the farm together. His farm is close to mine. After working on our farms less than an hour, we were going home when the heavy rains started.

We stayed in one man’s house in Tabule village. After the rain, we proceeded”. The two

men got to a bridge called Ruganjira, not very from their residence. The bridge was overflowed with water and was no longer visible. Residents in the area told VM that the bridge was a nightmare during the rainy season. They lamented that it was difficult to go to their farms during the rainy season as vehicles and even motorcycles cannot pass through the bridge.

Usman said that only few weeks ago, residents did some remedial work to ease the problem. He said: “All the youths and even the old were all involved in fixing it so that we cab pass easily but due to the force of the water, it keeps getting worse. It was around 6 o’ clock in the evening.

Dauda said when they got to the Ruganjira Bridge they were confused as there was water everywhere and the exact location of the bridge was a

He was stuck under the bridge; we had to tie a rope on his waist and pulled him out but he died before he reached the hospital

*The late Caleb Mida

puzzle. He said he advised his friend that they should wait a little while for the water to subside so that they could see the bridge and cross, adding: “I told him please wait for the water level to drop. He said he couldn’t wait and folded his trousers and started going.

“I warned him but he said he was going to cross and he kept going. As he was moving slowly, I stayed behind watching.

When he got near the area the bridge was he fell inside the water. I saw two people on the other side also coming opposite to Tabule and I shouted.

They came and we entered the water to rescue him but the force of the water was too strong for us to pull him out. They now advised me to run and call for reinforcement.”

Dauda said he ran as fast as his legs could carry him to his house where he usually sat with friends in the evening.

Usman was still sitting at where Caleb left him when Dauda came panting. He said: “Dauda could not rescue him so he ran to inform us. We were still sitting where he left us when he came. We ran to the place. He was stuck under the bridge and held on. We had to tie a rope on his waist and pulled him out but he died before he reached the hospital”.

Caleb was indeed confirmed dead by doctors at about 7 in the evening.

When the news reached Umar Hantsi, a bosom friend, he almost collapsed. Umar said: “A

day earlier, he was asking me to get somebody to buy his motorcycle because he needed money. I found somebody and was just about to inform him when I got this sad news. I could not sleep. It is very painful”.

Dauda said that the death of Caleb shot up his blood pressure. He said: “I felt shock and sad by his death and my BP has risen again. I am not feeling well since then because of the shock. This is someone that we were together chatting and the next minute he is dead. It is very shocking to me and I pray I recover soon”.

Fixing the road and culvert First son of the deceased, Thomas, said his father would have been alive if the bridge had been fixed by the government. He said: “That road and the bridge are very bad and the water cannot flow during rainy season. That was why my father was killed. It is very sad”.

He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to fix the road and the culvert to stop further tragedy.

Sabo Yakubu, a teacher in Dass and brother of the deceased, said the news of his brother’s death was very sad and shocking. Sabo said, “I could not sleep when the news reached me that night. He was planning for his retirement and had put in his retirement letter. It is unfortunate he died this way.”

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Ghanaians bid late President Atta Mills farewell •Ex-president’s death raises stakes for 2012 presidential polls

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE (with agency report)

T

ODAY is a special day for Ghanaians. It is a day that they would bury Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the first Ghanaian president to die in office. Today is a climax of a three-day burial programme, which began on Wednesday.

Mills is to be buried on the grounds of the seat of government at Osu Castle in Accra, the Ghanaian Capital.

Some 16 heads of state in addition to other foreign dignitaries, including the US Secretary of State, Mrs Hillary Clinton, are expected at the state burial service, according to Chairman of the funeral committee, Kofi Totobi-Quakyi.

Clinton is currently on an African tour.

The death of Mills, a professor of Economics, on July 24, five months ahead of elections in which he was to seek re-election, threw the West African nation into mourning and raised stakes for the presidential contest in a country that recently joined the ranks of the world’s significant oil producers.

*The mortal remains of the late Ghanaian President, John Evans Atta Mills being conveyed to the Parliamentary Complex, Accra for the lying-in state ceremony Currently, these campaigns are on pause to give the late President a befitting burial.

However, with the Electoral Commission of Ghana (ECG) insisting that Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on December 7, 2012 and prospective run-off on December 28, the candidates will resume activities after the burial.

Showers of tributes Ghana’s new President, John Dramani Mahama, government officials and diplomats viewed Mills body at the parliamentary complex, Accra, where it was lying in state on Wednesday, followed by the general public yesterday. There were showers of tributes on both Wednesday and yesterday evenings, including music and speeches.

Accra was filled with tributes to Mills, who was widely praised for his integrity, including billboards saying, “ we shall always remember you,” while many residents wore black and red bands and scarves as symbols of their grief.

“The outpourings of emotions on the death of our president show that we Ghanaians are united in our collective sense of loss,” Totobi-Quakyie said.

Accra police commissioner Patrick Timbillah said heavy security would be in place for the funeral, with major roads cordoned off.

Totobi-Quakyi said the family would hold a private service in Mills’ place of birth on Sunday

Presidential flagbearer

*Former President Jerry Rawlings and others at the lying in state of late Mills

*Mills: It's goodbye in the village of Ekumfi Otuam.

But for Mills death, Ghana’s political landscape would have been electrified with

presidential and parliamentary candidates touring all parts of the country on electoral campaigns.

The ruling National Democratic Congress, NDC, is expected to endorse the new President, Mahama, who had been vice president to Mills and was sworn in to serve out the remainder of Mills’ term, as its presidential flagbearer.

He will square up against the likes of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Hassan Ayariga of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Dr Abu Sakara, of the Convention People’s Party, CPP among others..

Mills death has averted what would have panned out as a repeat of the 2008 contest where the late president ran a very tight race with Akufo-Addo and narrowly edged out the then ruling NPP standard bearer with “change” as his campaign slogan.

He contested the presidency on the plank of the NDC, then an opposition party, which also won the majority in the 230member Parliament with 116 seats. It was followed by NPP (107), PNC, two seats; CPP, one and independent candidates, four.

In the race, the tightest in the 55-year history of Ghana as an independent nation, Mills won the presidency after three polls in four weeks – the first ballot, a run-off and a mini-run-off in a constituency with 4,521,032 votes (50.23 per cent). AkufoAddo polled 4,480,446 votes (49.77 per cent).

The politician’s death has also altered an emerging trend in the history of Ghana elections. It will be the first time an incumbent president will not stand for re-election. So, Ghanaians have been denied the opportunity of re-electing a sitting president as they have been doing since 1996.

Banner of the NDC After his stint as military ruler, retired Flt Lieutnant Jerry Rawlings won the presidential polls in 1992 as well as a reelection in 1996 on the banner of the NDC with Mills as his vice.

At the expiration of Rawlings’ tenure, the Ghanaian electorate abandoned the NDC for the NPP, an opposition party via a tight race as the 2000 polls could not produce an outright winner. The NPP, which fielded John Kufuor, won the preceding run-off.

Like Rawlings, ex-president Kufuor was handed a second term in 2004 but his party was rejected by the electorate at the end of his tenure in 2008 with Mills of the NDC winning.

Having successfully held smooth transition elections for 20 years, since 1992, Ghana, a country of some 25 million people, is seen as a bastion of democracy in the often turbulent West African region.

Recently, President Mahama said his administration would ensure that the 2012 polls would be one of the most peaceful elections that Ghana had ever witnessed. He stressed that the electoral process would be transparent, free and fair such that the outcome would be acceptable to all Ghanaians.

It is to be seen if the country would sustain the tempo and retain her status of oasis of democracy in Africa.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012—59

*From left Dr Leke Pitan representing, Asiwaju Bola Tinubud, Dr Paul Akintelure, Chief Launcher, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State /Guest Speaker of the occasion and Mr Mobolade Omonijo, author at launch of the book: "The Nigerian Political Turf'' Polity, Politics, Politicians"

our people, who act with integrity and ethics, who create an entrepreneurial mindset and capabilities in followers, who see leadership as service and responsibility and who are not content with mediocrity. We must move away from transactional politics to transformative leadership.”

Rescuing people frombad governance: Continuing, Fayemi said, “Having spent the last seven years in partisan politics and participating in grassroots organising, my belief in the need to take politics beyond political parties is more reinforced. The immediate challenge for all of us is to concentrate on how to rescue our people from bad governance.

Unless the critical mass of our people cutting across age, gender, zones and party political affiliations adopt the same positions, with a more clearly defined collective agenda, the current approach to solving our problem will not suffice.

Permanent platform

There is an urgent need to build coalitions and permanent platform in the public sphere that is beyond party and personalities, but all embracing enough to those who subscribe to the core values of integrity, honesty and dedication to THE crème-de-la-crème of the nation’s politics and media gathered last Tuesday for the launch of a book transformation in Nigeria.” chronicling political commentaries of one of the nation’s leading political commentators, Ex-Economist, Also speaking at the forum, former Vanguard and presently The Nation’s Group Political Editor, Bolade Omonijo. the Special Guest of Honour, Tambuwal commended the foresight of the author, just as

BY CHARLES KUMOLU & veteran journalist and Polity, Politics, Politicians is of life, it is at best an empty he implored other media GBENGA OKE economist, Haroun Adamu, well loaded and well concept, at worst a sham to practitioners to follow his path.

Mr. Odia Ofeimum among articulated with various many. Poverty and despair, Tambuwal, who was T was not surprising that others. problems facing the Nigerian oppression and represented by his the launch of the book, The Kick-staring what turned out political development. Bolade h u m i l i a t i o n , Special Adviser on Nigerian Political Turf: Polity, to be a robust intellectual Omonijo belongs to the economic and Media and Strategy, Politics, Politicians, almost exercise on the state of the courageous writers in Nigerian social insecurities Mr. Imam Imam, said, turned into a political affair. nation and the direction of journalism today.” are breeding “We are encouraging Masters of the political game Nigeria’s democracy, was Militarisation of the polity: grounds - even if other journalists to put were fully present and ably Tinubu, who was represented Fayemi, who was the Guest not the only their experiences in a represented.

Speaker, in his lecture titled: reasons - for Dr.Leke Pitan. book form because by The venue was also graced and Voicing his concern on the The Nigerian Polity, Politics violence reading, we set to know with the crème-de-la-crème of various dimensions the current and Politicians: Moving from conflict.

The the characters and plots the Nigerian media who turned insecurity in Nigeria, has Transaction to Transformation, that have taken place out to honour one of their own, taken, Tinubu, who chaired the expressed concern on the s much as government in our political Bolade Omonijo, otherwise event said, “the problem of increasing militarization of the Nigerians must act landscape in Nigeria It known as The Prof, by his insecurity and bombing polity, saying that it portends want democracy, is only by reading that colleagues. they also want to quickly to ravaging the nation require an a great danger. we can transport Remarkably, the book launch urgent action. concrete “At the core of the crisis, see curtail the ourselves to different at the Muson Centre, Lagos of either in the Niger Delta or in evidence adventures, different provided a platform to x-ray the Community the North is the failure of d e m o c r a c y activities cultures and it is with quality of Nigeria’s democracy policing a politics to allocate authority and making reading of books and its effects on the citizenry, legitimise it and use it to difference in their of Boko during our generation with emphasis on the current The government must act achieve the social as well as lives and not just Haram that impacted on our insecurity across the northern quickly to curtail the activities economic ends that is conducive in an lives because it before states. of Boko Haram before to communal well-being. In this instrumentalist remains the only Among the dignitaries, who Nigerians resort to self-help. sense the current debate on sense of Nigerians source of knowledge” came to identify with Omonijo, The debate for state and Boko Haram insurgency is e m b r a c i n g he noted. resort to The Group Political Editor of community policing has been about the status and quality of freedom.”

Continuing, he said, The Nation Newspapers, were long overdue and it is time for democracy in Nigeria, a debate Still on the way self-help “the book that is being Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of Nigeria to decentralise the about the future of the country forward, he said, launched today is an the House of Representatives, police force, in order to arrest as a united, federal entity,”he “we need leaders important topic Governor Kayode Fayemi of the problem of insecurity.” who have a clear stated. because it bothers on Ekiti who was the Guest Still picking holes in the vision of the He thus charged that “for our day-to-day Speaker, former Governor of Nigeria to move forward, there manner democracy is practiced future, who see activities as a nation Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola is need for courageous, in the country, Fayemi said, “If character as and it is important we all Tinubu, , Ogbeni Rauf visionary and committed democracy is not capable of destiny, who advocate valuesAregbesola of Osun State, Dr. leaders at all levels of wiping out poverty, curbing driven reorientation, who don’t cultivate the habit of reading in Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta governance.” corruption, guaranteeing just mouth transformation, who order to have an insight on the political situation in our State, Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra While recommending the transparency and improving are compassionate about country.” The book was state, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, book, he stated thus: “The book people’s well being and quality changing the decrepit plight of reviewed by Mr. Kunle Ajibade.

STATE OF THE NATION:

Insecurity on the political turf

I

A

60—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

I

N a period heavily dominated by news of shameful corruption arising out of ‘subsidy scandal‘ and killings and maiming by Nigerians (claims by Boko Haram sect), the election of Adams Oshiomole as Governor of Edo State without the usual violence, is a welcome rarity.

Though the absence of violence during and after the elections might be attributed to heavy presence of security forces in major towns and the various polling booths, the reaction of the voters was still commendable when it is viewed against the scourge of Boko Haram insurgency in the North and armed robberies in the South, even with heavier deployment of security forces.

The victory of Adams Oshiomole has been attributed to his outstanding performance and the recognition by the people of Edo State of good governance.

The timely goodwill message of the President Goodluck Jonathan has gone a long way in preventing the usual ‘bad manners by bad losers‘. The political lesson is that under a reliable electoral system, elections can be won and lost on the virtues of issues and performance.

This calls for a review of our electoral system to ensure that the voice of the electorate is heard, and clearly too. There should always be a room for the independent candidate in any election as is the practice in all civilized and democratic societies.

As one jubilates over the triumph of democracy in Edo State, the killings of a serving Senator and a Lawmaker in Plateau State cast a dark and gloomy shadow on ethnic and religious unity in this country. The problems of Plateau State and especially those of Jos, the capital have been diagnosed and analyzed in the past, but have received little or not much concern by either the Federal Government or the State authority.

The problems are simply of political and ethnic origin. Before the creation of Plateau State, the administration of the area had been in the hands of Hausa/ Fulani, while the economy, especially that of Jos and its environs was virtually monopolized by Nigerians of southern origin.

Thus, the indigenes were virtually out of reckoning. Infact, the Beroms of Jos were totally ostracized.

Helping Nigeria through credible elections

Without restructuring, Nigeria faces implosion — Uko EVANGELIST Elliot Uko, Igbo leader and president of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) is disturbed by the state of affairs in the country. In this interview, he insists that restructuring of Nigeria into true federalism is the surest way to preserve the country. He also spoke on why the South-East should produce the president after President Goodluck Jonathan among others. Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

H

OW do you see the state of affairs in the country?

President Goodluck Jonathan is an okay but his inner circle is not solid. He needs to tighten up and keep his eye on his transformation agenda. I believe he will lift Nigeria up. I don’t want to talk about the security challenges. So much has been said already. Nigerians must face reality by understanding that our quasi-unitary structure is clearly responsible for all our problems including corruption. We must restructure Nigeria along six federating regions. It is the only way out. It will reduce ethnic and religious tension, check sleaze and encourage diversification of the economy.

However, another problem behind the present insecurity is the culture of impunity

I

07059197616

The dilemma of Jos today is that of a politically liberated indigene, seeing himself living in an economic bondage.

There is that temptation to reverse agelong political degradation and economic subjugation. This could be done through a delicate balancing act, or by brute ‘force‘. The general impression in the country is the inability of people who have been in power to share or accommodate others in the enjoyment of their positions.

The other side is ruthlessness of the new power blocs to force a change without serious regard for entrenched interests.

It becomes more complicated if religious and ethnic considerations are allowed to predominate.

The present Plateau State Government (with the help of the Federal Government) is expected to balance the legitimate rights of the indigenes and the political and economic interests of those who are now regarded as “settlers”, even if some of their families are known to have settled there for more than 100 years.

Many analysts believe that even if the Boko Haram insurgency (with its nebulous intentions) is crushed or settled

especially cold-blooded killings that have been on for decades without being addressed. We must, as a nation, punish people who instigate violence of any sort.

No country can survive in an environment of impunity because it breeds fear, suspicion and hatred and these are the termites that eat up the foundation of the nation. We must do everything to save Nigeria from collapse. Finally, if President Jonathan does not punish corrupt officials he will risk the erosion of confidence Nigerians have in him. It could spell doom for him. He must be firm in punishing persons who loot the treasury.

Former leaders, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo recently signed a joint statement where they insisted that Nigeria’s unity is non negotiable. What is your comment on this?

morning call of worshippers and SundaySunday worship in the churches, every effort is directed at policies which would ensure unity and prosperity. It is known that Nigerians will patronize visionary leaders whose aims are to destroy old bad ways of governance and substitute them with administration of peace and prosperity.

It is possible within the next four years to terminate the present Boko Haram insurgency, to create religious and ethnic harmony and to build a prosperous country. f the present leaders look inwardly and think deeply, there is the possibility of working together as a formidable team to address and overcome some of the excruciating problems of nation building.

If it is realized that the daunting problems are not insolvable if political leaders are determined to fight for the country and not for themselves. That is if the leader and the follower are partners in progress and if corruption is reduced to the barest minimum and there is greater hope in the greater future.

It is my opinion that the smooth road to 2015 should start from now. It seems to have started last Saturday 14th July, 2012. The conduct of the election was adjudged to be free and fair inspite of some lapses in the distribution of voting materials and accreditation of voters.

Apart from the disappearance of voting materials and snatching of ballot boxes which are manifestations of rigging in the days of old, lateness in the arrival of voting materials to the voting booths could be another form of disenfranchising the voters.

An ideal electoral procedure should be straight voting after the voter is accredited; a voter after accreditation need not go and come back later for voting. The time lag of about two hours (between accreditation and voting) would be to many, a disincentive.

If an election is transparent, there would be no need for violence or any form of litigation. It is assumed that Nigerians would believe the authority and themselves that voting will be done easily without the large presence of police and soldiers at polling booths.

through negotiation, it is most likely that sobering embers of religion and ethnicity might be rekindled into fire in many other places. herefore, in thinking about the present serious problems of Boko Haram, it is necessary also to take into consideration the complexity of religious and ethnic hostilities.

In my examination of the dread of 2015 in this column, I have been able to discover that many Nigerians are only Nigerians by appellation and see themselves as individuals living in a place called Nigeria, but their loyalties are somewhere else. This might be because the present country does not fit into their vision of a country to be proud of.

This is evident from the comments of a frustrated Nigerian whose thought is that, “There is nothing Jonathan can do now to avert looming break-up, it is already too late, not even the leaders in various ethnic groups who are benefitting massively from the corrupt government can stop it”.

Many patriotic Nigerians believe that the doom of 2015 could be averted if in addition to our reliance on good luck early

T

Even though those two gentlemen contributed directly to the problems Nigeria is facing today, but I agree with them, we should find a way to genuinely continue to live together. It is in everybody’s interest that this house must not fall. India has more problems than Nigeria. The Buddists, Muslims and Christians are jointly building a great nation that will challenge China and the West in a few decades. Our differences are not enough to destroy Nigeria.

The misguided extremistists who are trying to destroy this beautiful country will soon realize that they can’t win. Nigeria is bigger than a few misguided terrorist.

Nigeria will survive. Great nations, the world over, pass through such challenges.

Nigeria will overcome the present challenges but we must all support the incumbent, in spite of whatever short coming he has, to succeed.

Ndigbo are demanding that the presidency of Nigeria should come to the South-East next time round. Are Ndigbo truly ready?

Yes, Ndigbo are ready but that is a question for our politicians. Only Igbo presidency will truly heal Nigeria now.

Equity enthrones stability and harmony.

Ndigbo deserve the presidency. Nobody believes in or has contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria more than

SMS only 07059197616

*Uko

Ndigbo.

The IYM recently honoured Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe during your 13th annual convention. What inspired that decision?

The Great Zik is arguably (with Nelson Mandela) Africa’s greatest gift to the world.

He was ahead of his time, a visionary genius, who transformed the continent and left a legacy that is yet to be equalled.

He brought light and shined that light so the people could find the way.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 61

C M Y K

62 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Eagles arrest Police Machine T

HE Super Eagles con tinued their buildup ahead of next Wednesday’s friendly against Niger Republic with a hard fought 2-0 win over FCT Federation Cup champions; Police Machine FC. The match played at the FIFA Goal Project site, was watched by a scanty crowd that includes NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Barrister Christopher Green and former international Siji Lagunju, who is an NFF scout. The game started at exactly 8:20am with the FCT side made up of entirely serving policemen taking the early fight to the national team.

They were however repelled by the back four of Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwueke, Papa Idris and Juwon Oshaniwa.

After five minutes of dilly-dallying, the Eagles midfield anchored by Gabriel Reuben and Solomon Jabason seized the initiative and started pumping the attack with short and crisp passes.

Early chances fell to Uche Kalu, 5th, 7th and

20th minute, but were all wasted, Reuben blasted wide from 40yards in the 15th minute, while newcomer, Benjamin Francis’ clever chip narrowly veered off the mark in the 24th minute to get the scanty crowd animated.

By now, Eagles goalie, Daniel Akpeyi was practically on holiday.

In the 30th minute, Oshaniwa’s overlapping run from the left was brutally punctuated and referee Aniete wasted no time in awarding a direct freekick from about 20yards.

Kalu stepped forward to blast home the kick for the curtain raiser. Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi wasted more scoring opportunities after the goal.

The half ended 1-0. Big Boss Stephen Keshi, changed the entire team for the second stanza safe for two players. Moses Ocheje in goal made an early save from number 10 shirted Kabiru Ismail, while Abdul Garba and Godwin John all of Police Machine also caused tension on the Eagles bench.

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, CALABAR

A

THE POINTMAN . . . Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi ( R ) dishing out instruction to Wigan Athletic winger Victor Moses during Nigeria’s AFCON 2013 qualifying match against Namibia at U J Esuene Stadium Calabar. Photo: Sylva Eleanya

SSISTANT Coach of the U-!7 football team, Emmanuel Amuneke has commended the Golden Eaglets for walloping Diamond Stars Academy FC, winners of 2010 Governor’s cup in cross River State 5-1 in a friendly at St Patrick College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

The national U-17 team is currently camped in Calabar ahead of the 2013 CAF Under-17 qualifier against Niger Republic in September this year.

The friendly match against Diamond Stars was Eaglets first training match since resumption last week in Calabar for their second-closed camping.

Speaking after the encounter, Amuneke said, “It is about time the players began to assume responsibilities on the pitch and we are encouraged that they are executing some of the things we are teaching them.

“This is our first game but the players are gradually getting back into their groove which is a

Golden Eaglets wallop Diamond Stars in Calabar good thing to see.”

Kelechi Iheanacho, one of the graduates from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) model National Under-13 team, was easily the man-of-thematch played under the rain.

Iheanacho combined beautifully with Isaac Success in the attack as the Eaglets sought for their opening goal.

Success gave Iheanacho a good pass and the latter promptly delivered a half volley shot that rebounded off Nsima Abasi in goal for Diamond Stars and Ifeanyi Matthew, who was in the area slotted in the Eaglets’ opening goal in the 12th minute.

Success was fouled on the edge of the box and Ahmed Umar stepped forward and struck a shot into the net for the team’s second goal.

King Davidson targets world title

N

IGERIA’s Davidson Emenogu a.k.a.

King Davidson, is optimistic he could win a world boxing title in the middle weight class before the end of the year. The Australia based Emenogu is ranked number one by the World Boxing Organisation Asia-Pacific in the middleweight class.

The Nigerian defeated Ghana’s Joseph Lamptey in April for the WBO International Light Middleweight belt in Southampton, United Kingdom. He boasted after the fight that

he has all it takes to become the next World champion to come out of Nigeria.

Emenogu is currently training in Southampton and is scheduled to arrive Nigeria soon to promote his training tour of USA and Germany, before having a shot at the world title.

“I am confident that I can conquer the World,” begins the southpaw pugilist, who made his mark while competing for Nigeria in the All Africa and Commonwealth Games.

•Davidson Emenogu “I have put in a lot to make this dream come true. I came from the grassroots, where I competed and won laurels in the National Sports Festival

MILO Basketball: Lagos talks tough ahead semis mains their priority.

H

OME team, Inter national School, Lagos (ISL) believes

winning the coveted trophy of the 14th Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship re-

Brila FM to broadcast live EPL matches

S

PORTS radio Brila Fm, has announce its first English language broadcast partners to carry its official Barclays Premier League coverage during the 2012/13 season which starts on 18 August.

Brila FM in Nigeria will carry talkSPORT’s live Barclays Premier League commentary on an exclusive basis with-

in its broadcast area.

The deal will grant the station access to talkSPORT’s expert commentary, insight and links with the biggest names in Premier League football as well as its production expertise and experience of broadcasting live sporting events including the 2011 Rugby World Cup and UEFA EURO 2012.

With the stage set for the semifinal matches of the boys’ event today, ISL’s coach, Ernest Ijeomah is optimistic that his lads would do well this year.“We were unfortunate to have lost the title last year and this year we are eager to redeem our image by ensuring that we are on top of things during the final. We believe we will scale through to the final today even as we continue to work hard to achieve our dream of lifting the trophy come Saturday,” Ijeomah said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012 — 63

Minister proffers panacea for Nigeria sports A

S part of the hard lessons from the London 2012 Olympics, Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has identified five priorities that would turn our sports around and catapult the country to the position she can be proud of in future Games.

They include; identifying five sports that give Team Nigeria competitive opportunities, restructuring the federations of these sports to make them more democratic, accountable and efficient.

Developing a sports calendar that will ensure allyear-round sports activities both within and outside the schools. Strategic engagement with the private sector with the aim to improve funding for sports and strengthen the coaching and training capabilities by developing strategic partnership with national and international bodies.

He noted that the process of rebuilding will start with the National Sports Festival in Lagos. ‘’We shall use this event

Chelsea target Cavani

C

HELSEA are report edly in talks with Napoli after the Italian club revealed they are ready to part with super striker Edinson Cavani.

Having struck 33 goals in 47 games last season Di Matteo believes Cavani possess the correct physical attributes for Premier League target man and is hopeful of concluding a deal before the new season kicks off.

Chelsea have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Hulk following Zenit St Petersburg’s bid for the Portostriker, reportedly offering £38 million for the 25-year-old striker.

Porto are reportedly demanding a massive £60 million for the talented Brazilian. ”I have not heard about a bid from Zenit, but at £40 million I cannot see Porto selling,” a Chelsea source told ESPN. ”I know Chelsea have been linked with Hulk all summer, in fact all year.

But Chelsea have never negotiated.

to flag-off our preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and thereafter the 2016 Olympics in Brazil”, he said.

L-r, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, Minister of Sports and Chairman, NSC, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, Director General, NSC and Engr. Habu Gumel, IOC Executive member at a press briefing addressed by the minister on the performance of team Nigeria so far in London. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

I’m not surprised at Team Nigeria’s performance — Ugbe The Commissioner for Sports in Cross River State, Patrick Ugbe remains indifferent over the poor outing of Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics, asking, “what did you expect.”

Ugbe believes Nigeria got what it bargained for as no medals can be won without adequate preparations.

Said he, “Were you expecting miracles from

Team Nigeria?”he asked, adding, “every serious nation started preparations for the Olympics since four years ago. There could not have been any serious preparations for our athletes in three months.”

But the commissioner is of the belief that Nigeria could take some positives from the London Olympics.

“The lesson there is that we must always prepare well ahead of major sporting events. We cannot be talking about winning medals without adequate preparations.”

Ugbe said plans are on track for the state to host the next National Sports Festival after Eko 2012.

“We still have the Lagos Games before the one we will be hosting. But we are on track and we won’t disappoint.”

Bolts strikes twice!

Continues from B/P The Minister who addressed hordes of Journalists at the Nigerian House in Stratford alongside NOC President, Engr Sani M. Ndanusa, Chef De Mission of Team Nigeria Dr Patrick Ekeji and NOC Scribe, Tunde Popoola while admitting his disappointment noted that it was a scientific diagnosis of our condition; a clear testimony to how far our sports have fallen. ‘’We shall therefore not attempt any excuses or indulge in any unproductive blame game. Rather than see this as a failure, we must see it as an opportunity to rebuild.

When other countries found themselves in this kind of situation in the past, they have used the galvanizing power of disappointment to get down to work. At Atlanta 1996 Olympics, Team Great Britain won only one gold medal. Returning home, the right questions were asked, and the necessary actions were taken. Four years later in Sydney, they returned with 11 gold out of 28 medals. In Beijing four years ago, they returned with 19 gold memdals out of 47, placing them in the fourth position. Today, they are able to look back and say they have moved from ‘zeroes to heroes’.

This is our chance. We can also do it. We must see this crisis as the necessary disequilibrium required for serious actions and drastic change. We will not allow this opportunity to pass”.

The Minister said that having being appointed Minister and chairman of

National Sports Commission only two months to the Olympics, he had to learn quickly. ‘’I have not received a better lesson than in the last two weeks of London 2012 Olympics. I have learnt three key lessons.

1. Olympics medal is about hard cash. It is not a coincidence that the medals table appears to reflect the level of economic development of the countries. But having the resources is one thing, making the right strategic investment is another. Team Great Britain largely owes its dramatic success to what is described as ‘’unprecedented financial investment” totaling up to more than £740 million over 15 years. The current annual spending on sports stands at £100 million.

However, only 40% of this comes from the treasury, while the remaining 60% is lottery fund.

Conversely, Australia finished fourth in Sydney with 16 gold medals. In London, Australia has fallen outside the top 10 with 6 gold medals. Australians have blamed reduced funding for elite athletes and a lack of facilities at the grassroots levels.

He said that every medal is clearly projected and carefully planned for both in financial and technical terms. There is no short cut. Medals are won by people who have worked hardest not by those who have prayed hard. ‘’We can only win medals by building systems that capable of producing medalists and champions not by selecting athletes that we hope can win medals”.

Team Nigeria’s w oes continue woes

J

AMAICA’S Usain Bolt last night became the first athlete to successfully defend Olympic 100m and 200m titles.

Before yesterday, his compatriot, Yohan Blake, had vowed to beat him and made some comments in the media, saying that it was his time to win the 200m gold.

But in a sensational race that sent all in the Olympic Stadium standing and cheering, Bolt, on getting to the finish line, looked to his left, Blake’s lane and used a finger to block the mouth, a sign of “Shut up” to Blake. He ran 19.32, his season’s best

We have failed

to win the gold. Blake was second in 19.44, his season’s best too. It was all a Jamaican affair as Weir Warren won the bronze in 19.84 seconds.

It was his personal best.

Nigeria’s Tosin Oke placed seventh in the Triple Jump while the 4x100m relay team placed 5th in the heat but qualified for the final today as the fastest lose.

•Bolt

Continues from B/P -68kg category lost 131 to Mohammed Abulibdeh of Jordan, The Nigerian lost 6-0 in the first round and did not fare better in the second round with a 7-1 score.

Next to taste defeat was Doreen Amata who placed 17th in the Women’s High Jump event with a 1.90 m jump, her season’s best, which sadly was not good enough to qualify her for the next round. Oborududu had a day earlier at the same venue lost 0-3 to Ewa Michalik of Poland in their 63 kg fight.

In her wrestling bout, Obiajunwa, who had drawn bye from the qualification round, lost 4-0 on

technical points and 5-0 on classification points, with her Chinese opponent being adjudged winner 5-0 VT (victory by fall).

Oborududu and Obiajunwa were the two female wrestlers in the four-man Nigerian wrestling team at the Olympics Games in London.The male wrestlers, Andrew Dick and Sinivie Boltic, would be getting into the thick of the action on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Dick would be fighting in the men’s freestyle 84 kg, while Sinivie would be fighting in the men’s freestyle 96 kg.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Team Nigeria’s w oes continue woes A MARACHI Obia junwa joined wrestling teammate Blessing Oborududu and various Team Nigeria members on the 2012 Olympic Games’ sidelines yester-

day in London by crashing out in her first fight.

She lost to China’s Jiao Wang at the ExCelNorth Arena 2 in the round of 16 of the women’s freestyle 72 kg

event, becoming her wrestling team’s second casualty within 24 hours.

Nigeria’s Taekwondo star Isah Mohammed competing in the men’s Continues on Page 63

We have failed — Minister ... No excuse(s)

S

PORTS Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has described Team Nigeria’s predicament in the on-going London 2012 Olympics

without a medal as a clear testimony to how far Nigerian sports have fallen behind.

Continues on Page 63

MEDAL TABLE Country 1 China 2 United States 3 Great Britain 4 S/Korea 5 Russia 6 Germany 7 France 8 Hungary 9 Italy 10 Australia

G 36 35 24 12 11 9 8 8 7 6

S 23 23 13 7 21 15 9 4 6 12

B 19 25 14 6 23 10 11 3 5 9

Total 78 83 51 25 55 34 28 15 18 27

More stories on pages 32, 33, 62 & 63.

TODAY'S

Bolt strikes twice!

•Retains 200m gold in style — P.63

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the men’s 200m final in a time of 19.32 secs, last night in London. PHOTO: AFP

PUZZLES YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Seek (6) 5 Blemish (4) 8 Trite (5) 9 Colour (3) 10 Goad (4) 11 Vacant (4) 12 Sprinkle (5) 13 System (6) 16 Signal (4) 18 Issue (4) 20 Curve (3) 22 Clique (3) 23 Barrier (3) 24 Excuse (4) 25 Stalk (4) 28 Itinerant (6) 30 Model (5) 32 Ogle (4) 33 Impel (4) 34 Observe (3) 35 Intelligent (5) 36 Sit (4) 37 Together (6)

DOWN 1 Plot (6) 2 Vent (8) 3 Universe (6) 4 Wood-worker (9) 5 Mauled (7) 6 Sate (4) 7 Travel (4) 8 Coach (3) 14 Debauched (9) 15 Obscure (3) 17 Obtain (3) 19 Obvious (8) 20 Beer (3) 21 Heat unit (7) 26 Recent (6) 27 Concurred (6) 29 Slide (4) 30 Stabling (4) 31 Arid (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Least 9, Molten 10, Hinder 11, Attic 12, Show 15, Cede 17, Heretic 20, Rid 21, Local 23, Page 25, Bond 26, Hoped 28, Mug 30, Reverie 33, Alas 35, Rind 36, Virus 38, Brutal 39, Relief 40, Tepee.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Smash 2, Floor 3, Lea 4, Entail 5, Ship 6, Tic 7, Adder 8, Bread 13, Helpful 14, Weigh 16, Disdain 18, Cover 19, Cab 22, Lower 24, Eon 27, Demure 28, Maybe 29, Gamut 31, Rigid 32, Edify 34, File 36, Vat 37, See.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.